South America Traditions: A Guide to Latin American Festivals & Celebrations

Some experiences stay with you—the rhythm of music in the streets, the burst of colour in a parade, the joy of shared rituals. Across South America, festivals are more than events—they're living traditions. This guide explores the most iconic Latin American festivals and vibrant Hispanic celebrations that reveal the spirit of the continent.

Last updated: 26.05.2025

Cusco, Peru: Inti Raymi and the Incan Sun

Held every June 24, Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is a tribute to the Incan deity Inti and the winter solstice. Once banned during colonial times, this latinamerican festival has been revived in full splendour in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Thousands gather at the historic site of Sacsayhuamán to witness the grand re-enactment of this ancient tradition. In elaborate costumes, actors portray Incan nobles and priests in rituals that honour Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the sun god.

This ceremony offers a glimpse into the deeply spiritual side of South America traditions, where past and present intertwine. Our Peru tours include time in Cusco, offering the perfect opportunity to witness its festivals and explore the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Carnival Like No Other

If you’ve ever wondered what is the most popular festival in Latin America, the answer is easy: Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. For one week in February or March, Brazil’s most iconic city transforms into a swirling celebration of colour, dance, and music. Samba schools prepare year-round for their grand parades, each float a work of art, each costume more dazzling than the last.

As one of the best-known Latin American festivals, Carnival in Rio is more than an event—it’s an experience that redefines joy. Our Treasures of Two Capitals with Iguazu Falls tour takes you to Rio, combining it with visits to Buenos Aires and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls for an unforgettable journey through Brazil and Argentina.

Medellín, Colombia: A City in Bloom

Each August, Medellín’s Festival of the Flowers (Feria de las Flores) pays tribute to the region’s floral heritage and the resilience of its people. What began as a religious event in the 1950s has grown into a vibrant hispanic festival that draws crowds from across the globe. The highlight is the Desfile de Silleteros, where flower farmers (silleteros) carry stunning floral displays on their backs, a tradition passed down for generations.

Street concerts, horse parades, and classic car shows fill the week with celebration, turning the city into a fragrant, musical playground that shows the beauty of Colombian life. Our Best of Colombia tour includes Medellín along with Bogotá, the Coffee Region, and Cartagena—offering a rich overview of the country’s culture, landscapes, and traditions.

Oruro, Bolivia: A Dance for the Virgin

The Carnaval de Oruro, Bolivia’s most significant celebration, is a spectacular blend of indigenous rituals and Catholic devotion. Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage, it takes place every February or March. Dancers in feathered masks and beaded outfits perform the Diablada, a dramatic dance of angels and devils that reflects the ongoing fusion of native Andean beliefs and Christian iconography.

Our Best of Peru and Bolivia tour includes key cultural highlights like Lima, Cusco, La Paz, and the Uyuni Salt Flats—offering a deep dive into the region’s most unforgettable traditions and landscapes.

Quito, Ecuador: Fiestas de Quito

In early December, Ecuador’s capital bursts into celebration with the Fiestas de Quito, honouring the city’s founding in 1534. Over the course of a week, locals take to the streets for parades, bullfights, dance contests, and public concerts. Traditional chiva buses—open-sided party vehicles—roam the streets filled with music and laughter. This Latin-American festival is both a patriotic celebration and a joyful expression of Ecuadorian identity.

It’s a perfect example of how South America traditions have evolved, blending colonial influences with local pride.

Our Best of Peru with Galapagos Islands tour includes a stay in Quito, offering a chance to explore this high-altitude capital before venturing into the Andes and the iconic islands.

The festival's mix of old-world charm and vibrant energy makes it one of the most cherished latin american festivals in the Andes.

Puno, Peru: Virgen de la Candelaria

In early February, Puno’s Virgen de la Candelaria Festival transforms this highland city on Lake Titicaca into a whirlwind of folkloric dance and faith. With more than 40,000 dancers and 9,000 musicians participating, it’s one of the biggest latin american festivals.

The festival honours the Virgin of Candlemas with a week of processions, music competitions, and spiritual offerings. Costumes shimmer with sequins and masks reflect both Andean and Christian symbolism. It’s a profound demonstration of hispanic festivals rooted in centuries-old traditions, still alive in modern-day Peru.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Carnival of Colours

Though Argentina’s Carnival isn’t as famous as Brazil’s, it carries its own distinct charm. Cities across the country celebrate in late February with comparsas (community dance groups), water fights, and vibrant parades. In Buenos Aires, the neighbourhoods come alive with murga troupes—dancers and drummers in patchwork costumes who perform satirical songs and choreographed routines.

It’s a festive, family-friendly event that showcases Argentina’s multicultural identity and its place within broader South America traditions. Our Wonders of Argentina tour includes time in Buenos Aires, offering a perfect introduction to the country’s culture, history, and vibrant spirit.

The atmosphere is electric yet intimate, with local block parties bringing neighbours together in a celebration of creativity and community. It’s one of the most underrated hispanic festivals, offering a more grassroots and authentic vibe than its larger counterparts.

From sun rituals in Cusco to flower parades in Medellín, these Latin-American festivals are more than highlights on a calendar—they’re expressions of identity, resilience, and joy. Whether it’s dance, music, or spiritual rituals, each celebration offers a window into the heart of the continent.

Discover our tours and start with these seven most important events—each unforgettable, each essential. Then keep exploring. Because in South America, tradition never stands still—it dances.