Every year, on October 31st, Halloween, also known as “Noche de Brujas” or Night of Witches, is celebrated. Children and adults love this festivity, although some prefer to celebrate the “Día de la cancion criolla” in Peru. Have you ever heard about this festival?
Exactly on the same date, Peru celebrates the Day of Criolla Music, a tribute to the rich musical tradition that reflects the country's diverse cultural roots.
We all know that Halloween is more popular in the US and Europe than elsewhere. But how does Peru celebrate Halloween? Well, during Halloween in Peru, adults and children have fun showcasing their costumes with different themes, from classic horror characters to creative interpretations of heroes and villains.
The little ones, creatively dressed up, ask for candy on the main streets, in the Plaza de Armas, and in shopping malls, while the adults attend events, bars, and concerts. Many Peruvians celebrate both Halloween and the Day of the Creole Song, especially because November 1st is a holiday in commemoration of All Saints' Day. While Halloween is gaining popularity, the Day of All Saints and the Dia de la Cancion Criolla hold special significance, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage.
Halloween in Arequipa
In the “White City” of Arequipa, Halloween takes on a unique charm. Set against the backdrop of colonial architecture and the towering Misti volcano, the city’s streets come alive with creativity, music, and color on the night of October 31st.
Locals and travelers alike join the fun, dressing up as witches, ghosts, and fantasy characters while walking through Arequipa’s historic center, especially around the Plaza de Armas, where the celebration truly comes to life.
Here are some local favorites for an unforgettable Halloween night:
- Plaza de Armas & Calle San Francisco: Enjoy costume parades, street performances, and live music surrounded by Arequipa’s stunning colonial architecture.
- Bar Coyote & Deja Vu Bar: Popular spots that host themed parties with prizes for the best costumes.
- Mall Aventura & Real Plaza: Family-friendly activities and candy hunts for kids.
- Cultural Centers: Events that combine criollo performances with Halloween decor, celebrating both traditions in one evening.
Celebrate the season’s spirit with our Arequipa Tours and experience the charm of the White City after dark.
Halloween in Lima
Halloween has gained considerable popularity in Peru, especially in large cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco. The celebration is characterized by massive concerts, packed nightclubs, and streets filled with music, color, and fun, with children, young people, and adults dressed as both international and national characters.
This shows Peruvian creativity at its finest. If you are one of those who enjoy horror events or parties, there are various options at places like the Barranco Convention Center and in the Miraflores district, where you can spend a different and entertaining Halloween night. These places stand out for offering a variety of activities according to the attendees' tastes.
- Take a look at our Lima Tours
Halloween in Cusco
If you find yourself in Cusco during this date, you will see thousands of people dress up in costumes, from children asking for candy to adults gathered in the Plaza de Armas, where this festivity is celebrated with joy and lots of music. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the music, the dances, and the joy of the locals, who enthusiastically celebrate the fusion of Halloween and Peruvian traditions in the imperial city of the Incas.
Cusco, being a very touristy city, hosts a great variety of festivals, where both locals and tourists celebrate this much-anticipated festivity. At some of these parties, costume contests are organized, so if you want to win, you'll have to give it your all!
Take a look at our Cusco Tours
Day of The Dead in Peru
The following day on the 1st of November Peruvians celebrate All Saints’ Day when they pay homage to their departed loved ones. The celebrations are merry and filled with music and delicious food and continue celebrating until the next day on the 2nd of November. Colorful altars and offerings mark this day, honoring the spirits of the deceased.
Families set up altars at home or in cemeteries, adorned with photos, flowers, and the favorite foods of the deceased. In some regions, people even decide to spend the night at the cemeteries, to accompany their loved one who, according to the traditional belief, returns for two days to visit the living. The Day of The Dead is celebrated throughout Latin America, and more famously celebrated in Mexico where people dress up in Halloween costumes and remember their loved ones.
Get to know more about the Festivities and Holidays in Peru in our blog.
FAQ: Halloween and the Day of the Dead in Peru
1. Is Halloween widely celebrated in Peru?
Yes! Halloween is especially popular in cities like Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco, where children go trick-or-treating and adults enjoy costume parties and concerts.
2. What is the Day of the Creole Song (Día de la Canción Criolla)?
It’s a national celebration that honors Peru’s traditional music and dance, such as marinera and vals criollo, reflecting the country’s cultural identity.
3. What happens on November 1st and 2nd in Peru?
November 1st is All Saints’ Day, and November 2nd is The Day of the Dead, when families pay tribute to their deceased loved ones with offerings, music, and gatherings.
4. Are Halloween and the Day of the Dead connected in Peru?
They are different celebrations but happen back-to-back. Halloween focuses on costumes and fun, while the Day of the Dead honors the memory of the departed.
5. What is pan wawa or tantawawa?
It’s a traditional sweet bread shaped like a baby, symbolizing the souls of those who have passed away. It’s especially popular in Cusco, Ayacucho, and Puno.
6. What should travelers expect if visiting Peru on Halloween?
A joyful mix of colorful costumes, traditional music, and meaningful rituals — a celebration where fun and culture come together in true Peruvian style.
In several regions of Peru, it is traditional to offer pan wawa, a bread in the shape of a baby or child. This bread symbolizes the souls that are no longer here, representing their rest in peace. Offering pan wawa is a gesture that honors the memory of loved ones.
So the 31st of October is a combine celebration of the Halloween Parties and the celebration of the Creole Songs of Peru. Once thing is for sure, if you are traveling to Peru during this date, you are guaranteed of a serious party! Ask us at Andean Travel Experience if you would like to participate in this unique cultural Peru festival!