Puno prepares for the Virgin of Candelaria Festival 2026

Puno is preparing to welcome the world to one of South America’s most spectacular cultural celebrations. The Virgin of Candelaria Festival, held every February on the shores of Lake Titicaca, is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors in 2026, surpassing last year's record of more than 86,000 tourists. This milestone confirms the festival’s growing global appeal and importance to Peru’s cultural tourism landscape.

The Virgin of Candelaria: Where Culture, Faith, and Identity Unite

The festival is one of Peru’s most iconic cultural events and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Celebrated annually in Puno, the festival honors the Virgin of Candelaria with an extraordinary fusion of Catholic devotion and Andean cosmology.

For several weeks, the city transforms into a vibrant stage featuring:

• Traditional Andean and mestizo dances

• Powerful brass bands and ancestral rhythms

• Colorful, embroidered costumes

Religious processions and ceremonial rituals

Thousands of dancers and musicians participate, many of whom prepare year-round for this event. Each dance tells a story of history, resistance, devotion, and community, making the festival a living expression of Peru’s cultural heritage.

Record-Breaking Tourism Expected in 2026

According to the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) in Puno, the 2026 festival is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors, which would be a substantial increase in attendance. This growth reflects rising international interest in authentic cultural experiences.

While most attendees are Peruvian (around 85%), the number of international visitors continues to grow, primarily from countries such as the United States, Germany, and France. They are drawn by the festival’s reputation as one of South America’s most immersive cultural celebrations.

This surge further establishes Puno as a prominent tourist destination in Peru, alongside iconic sites such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, offering visitors a chance to experience a deeply rooted living tradition.

Why the Candelaria Festival is so special for travelers?

Because of its authenticity. It is not a staged event, but rather a celebration created by and for the local community. Visitors are welcomed as witnesses to this profound cultural expression.

For travelers, attending the festival offers:

• A rare opportunity to experience living Andean traditions

• Direct interaction with local communities and artists

• A deeper understanding of Peru beyond its archaeological sites

• A vibrant atmosphere combining spirituality, music, and celebration

Against the stunning backdrop of Lake Titicaca, the festival provides an unforgettable sensory experience that lingers long after the journey ends.

A key moment for Peru’s cultural tourism

The growing popularity of the Virgin of Candelaria Festival highlights Peru’s strength as a destination not only for history and nature, but also for intangible cultural heritage. As global travel continues to favor meaningful and immersive experiences, events like this play a crucial role in the country’s tourism recovery and long-term growth.

For travelers planning a South American adventure in 2026, February in Puno offers a unique chance to witness one of Peru’s most powerful cultural expressions—where tradition, faith, and celebration come together.