The following schedule highlights all of the major annually recurring events that take place in Lima and the wider Lima Metropolitan Area (including Callao). These include traditional festivals unique to Lima, Peruvian national holidays that are particularly vibrant in the capital, and modern events such as major food and cultural fairs.

January

• Adoración de Reyes Magos (Epiphany), January 6 — The Adoración de Reyes Magos (“Adoration of The Magi,” or the Three Wise Men) is celebrated throughout Peru to varying extents. In Lima, three mounted policemen take on the roles of the Three Wise Men, riding through the city center carrying the traditional offerings, which are then placed on the balcony of the Municipality building.
• Foundation of Lima, January 18 — The city of Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, at which time it was named Ciudad de los Reyes (City of the Kings). Anniversary celebrations typically involve Peruvian beer, food, dancing, and fireworks.

February

• Carnaval, throughout February — Peru’s carnival season takes place throughout February. Lima is one of the best places to enjoy carnival shows and activities, featuring free concerts and other events taking place across the city. However, it’s the traditional carnival water wars that tend to make headlines, as children and adults spray everyone with water, often prompting police intervention to control the chaos.
• Día del Pisco Sour, first Saturday of February — National Pisco Sour Day is the perfect occasion for enjoying a few drinks, so seek out bars and restaurants across Lima that offer special deals on this iconic beverage.

March

• Fiesta de la Vendimia de Surco (Surco Wine Harvest Festival), dates vary — The Santiago de Surco District of Lima celebrates its wine harvest festival, renowned for over 75 years. Along with plenty of wine, expect beauty contests (and beauty queens trampling grapes), food fairs, fireworks, and lively dancing.

April

• Anniversary of the Constitutional Province of Callao, April 22 — On April 22, 1857, the port area of Callao was declared a Constitutional Province, establishing what remains today a unique administrative region of Peru. Callao, considered part of the wider Lima Metropolitan Area, has locals known as chalacos who are fiercely proud of their origins.
• Lima Jazz Festival, normally mid-April — Lima’s annual jazz festival attracts the best jazz bands from Peru, alongside international artists.

May

• Corpus Christi, May/June — While celebrated magnificently in Cusco, the religious processions in Lima during Corpus Christi are also impressive. This movable feast takes place sometime between May 21 and June 24.
• Lima Marathon, May — The annual Lima42k marathon is the principal marathon event in Peru, attracting world-class runners from around the globe.

June

• Inti Raymi/San Juan, June 24 — Although these events are based in Cusco and the jungle, respectively, Lima also hosts parties and events to celebrate.
• Día Nacional del Cebiche, June 28 — A national day honoring ceviche, featuring ceviche-related events and offers across the capital.
• Día de San Pedro y San Pablo, June 29 — A national holiday in Peru for Saint Peter and Saint Paul, noted for maritime processions along the coastal districts.

July

• Virgen del Carmen, July 16 (central day) — On July 16, colorful processions carry the image of the Virgen del Carmen from a church in the Barrios Altos neighborhood through the historic center of Lima. The Virgen is the patroness of música criolla, ensuring plenty of music and food along the procession route.
• The Lima International Book Fair, the second half of July — The Feria Internacional del Libro de Lima (FIL-Lima) has been a notable event since 1995, celebrating literature and reading culture.
• National Pisco Day, fourth Sunday of July — Lima stands out for the Día del Pisco, as many bars and restaurants offer enticing pisco-related promotions.
• Independence Day, July 28 and 29 — The Fiestas Patrias celebrations are among the largest in the country, featuring military parades during the day and vibrant festivities at night.

August

• Lima Film Festival, first two weeks of August (may vary) — Lima’s film festival, the Festival de Cine de Lima, has showcased and awarded the best of Latin American cinema since its inception in 1997.
• Anniversary of Callao, August 20 — Civic parades, gastronomic and musical events, fireworks, and local beer contribute to the celebration of Callao’s anniversary.
• Lima Half Marathon, late August — Lima’s annual half marathon dates back to 1909, known as the oldest half marathon in South America and possibly the oldest in the Americas and globally.
• Saint Rose of Lima Day, August 30 — A national holiday honoring Saint Rose, the first Catholic to be canonized in the Americas and the patron saint of Lima and Latin America.

September

• Mistura, a multi-day gastronomic event held in September — Since its inception in 2008, Mistura has grown each year, claiming the title of the largest food fair in Latin America and remaining an unmatched culinary highlight on the Peruvian calendar.

October

• Battle of Angamos, October 8 — This national holiday commemorates the Battle of Angamos, a decisive naval battle in the conflict between Peru and Chile on October 8, 1879.
• El Señor de los Milagros, October — The procession of El Señor de los Milagros attracts the largest religious congregation in South America, featuring purple-robed devotees leading the emotional journey through the streets of Lima.
• Día de la Canción Criolla, October 31, Lima — A celebratory day for music across Peru, particularly in the capital, where locals and musicians honor música criolla.
• Feria Taurino del Señor de los Milagros, October/November — Arguably the largest bullfighting event in South America, held each year in October or November at the historic Plaza de Toros de Acho.

November

• Día de Todos los Santos and Día de los Difuntos, November 1 and 2 — These days combine family feasting with religious observance and remembrance for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Day of the Dead).
• Festividad de San Martín de Porres, November 3 — The birth and death of Martín de Porres, who was born in Lima in 1579, is commemorated each year with religious gatherings across the city.

December

• Inmaculada Concepción, December 8 — The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is observed with national holidays in Peru, featuring colorful and solemn religious parades in the capital and beyond.
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25 — Christmas in Peru is generally a vibrant and family-oriented event, with Lima adorned in decorations and festive events, albeit somewhat more commercial compared to other regions.