South America’s cultural heritage runs deep—from ancient civilizations and colonial artistry to contemporary design and Indigenous traditions that endure today. Whether it’s the weaving communities of the Andes, Amazonian cosmologies, or Lima’s modern art scene, these stories reveal the living identity of a continent.
In our Travel Journal, we uncover the people, places, and perspectives that bring South America’s cultures to life, offering insight into their artistry, symbolism, and timeless influence.
Fiestas Patrias in Peru On 28 and 29 July each year Peru celebrates Fiestas Patrias, the national holidays to commemorate the country’s independence. It’s the biggest holiday in Peru after Christmas and the whole country takes part in the lively festivities. 28 July marks the official day when Jose de San Martin declared Peru’s independence from Spain […]
Corpus Christi Cusco Festival Corpus Christi, a Catholic holiday celebrated worldwide, is very distinct in Cusco. It’s the city’s most important religious festival and a public holiday in Cusco, which is celebrated with fervor. It is also the occasion that most exemplifies the synergy between Catholicism and traditional Andean beliefs and customs. The main procession […]
Peru has a world-renowned heritage of art and culture and also a growing contemporary art scene, so the credentials for a successful international art fair are firmly in place. Last week (21 – 24 April) Lima once again welcomed the best of the art world to the city, attracting an impressive caliber of art galleries […]
In a country with a depth and complexity of history as Peru, ancient and deep-rooted religious beliefs vie with the official national religion of Catholicism. Add to this the dramatic physical and political impacts of the great earthquake of 1650 and the invasion of the Spanish Conquistadors – and you have the makings of a […]
Every January 6, Peruvians celebrate Bajada Reyes to conmemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the Nativity and the gifts they brought to the newborn baby Jesus from the East shortly after his birth. When Francisco Pizarro founded Lima, he baptized it with the name “City of Kings” because its founding coincided with the […]
Some countries have one or two New Year’s Eve traditions, but New Year’s in Peru has traditions a dime a dozen. The night before welcoming the New Year, Peruvians stock up on champagne, flowers, and…potatoes? All the traditions are meant to bring good fortune for the upcoming year. Here’s a list of our favorite New Years in […]