The new year’s eve is one of the most celebrated parties in the whole world. In Peru, one of the best places to spend the new year in Cusco. The Imperial City is the preferred destination for Peruvians, and the foreigners, who are fortunate to be here during these days, will live the best party and know the customs and traditions of our country.
Do you want to know what to do in Cusco during this day and be prepared to meet the Peruvian traditions of this moment of the year? Here we tell you everything you need to know!
Plaza de Armas or Main Square
The first thing that comes to the minds of Peruvians when we talk about New Year in Cusco is the Plaza de Armas. This place is the main stage of the end of the year and hundreds of people celebrate with different rituals and traditions.
The night begins with concerts organized by the Municipality of Cusco in this square, where both modern groups and traditional ones perform. As the hours go by, you will see how people of all ages and nationalities gather in the square for the most anticipated moment: 12 o’clock at night.
At this time begins one of the most curious traditions of Cusco: a large number of people who are here begins walking around the square, forming a giant circle. Tradition says that you have to do this three times, but a large number of people makes this very difficult and that most only reach to give one.
Another feature of the new year in Cusco (and actually in all of Peru) are fireworks. In addition to those organized by the Municipality of Cusco, residents, and visitors of this city are made with a large arsenal of fireworks to launch at 12 at night. The light show at the Plaza de Armas is worth living.
Customs and traditions
As occur in all the countries of the world there are different traditions that are carried out in the new year in Peru. If you want to live the party as a Peruvian, you have to prepare yourself, so here we tell you which are the most outstanding traditions.
Going around with a suitcase: as we have already told you, one of the great traditions that take place in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco is to go around it. But this is not only taking place here, but throughout the country, and many people do it with a suitcase in hand, to ask for many trips during the coming year.
Wear yellow underwear and accessories: when you walk through the streets of Cusco on the New Year’s eve you will notice that many people wear yellow accessories. Caps, ties, necklaces … and, of course, underwear. Everything is good to ask for luck during the New Year.
Twelve grapes: one of the traditions left by the Spaniards for the New Year are the twelve grapes. Although it is not something that all Peruvians do, it is not strange to see people who take a grape for every bell that marks the midnight of the first of January.
Lentils in your pocket: Peruvian tradition says that bringing dried lentils into your pockets during New Year is good for the money, so you will find this product in different stores in Cusco. In addition, establishments sell miniature dollars and soles that you must carry on you during this day for the same purpose.
Burning dolls: many families in the country dedicate several hours before New Year to the creation of dolls that are burned the night of December 31. This is done to remove all the bad things that happened during the current year and this does not happen again in the future.
New Year in Machu Picchu
What better than to say goodbye to the year in the historic Machu Picchu? Maybe start it? Anyway, if you’re going to spend the New Year in the Imperial City you can not leave without visiting the Inca citadel.
They say that Machu Picchu is one of those places that gives you positive energy that will be your best companion for the new year. In Inca Rail we want your 2019 to be perfect, so we take you to the trip of your dreams through the Sacred Valley, with an experience that will make you start the year with all the strength.
Do you want to buy your tickets for this Wonder of the World? Do it quickly and easily through our website www.incarail.com