Trujillo Festivities Calendar

January - February

January 20 to February 2: National Marinera Contest (Trujillo)

The northern marinera is a very dynamic dance, with elegant moves and a complex choreography. The couple flirt as they wave a white handkerchief in the air with their right hand, which is used to keep the pace. This dance is deeply rooted in La Libertad, and this is the reason why the contest which is celebrated there each year has become one of the most important events in the department. Couples and academies from all over the country participate in the contest. A queen is chosen and the best couple and the best typical dress are awarded prizes. This gathers many Peruvian and foreign tourists, it is the best time, really, to get to enjoy this beautiful dance. The contest takes place in the Gran Chimú Coliseum Trujillo.

March

27 to 30 (dates subject to change) national Surfing Championship (Malabrigo)

This is celebrated every year in the port of Malabrigo. It is one of the main events during Easter, as it attracts surfers from the different parts of Peru and abroad. This great surfing competition features surfing on the word's highest wave; in addition, there are also Long Board and body Board races.

May

5 to 15 Fest of the Patron, Saint Isidore, the Farmer (Moche)

Moche, a Catholic and traditional town, gets in a festive mood each year, to honor the Saint Patron of Agriculture, through whom the people ask God for his grace and heavenly blessings for the fields. During the month of May the Saint is taken around the countryside and welcomed by his followers with the harvested products. The day before there is an artistic cultural show and fireworks are displayed. On the main day, mass is held, and this is followed by a procession through the town's main streets, accompanied by a band of musicians.

July

26 to 30 Festival of teh Sea (Huanchaco)

This is the main attraction of the seaside resort of huanchaco, holding entertaining competitions in which fishermen demonstrate their skills and speed in sailing their little caballitos de totora (small reed boats).

All the month, Feast of the Patron St.james Apostle, The Greater (Santiago de Chuco)

Each year in July, there is a celebration of the Feast of the Patron of the province, in honor al Apostle St James the Greater. The festivities star out with mass during the firts few days of the month and they end with the rising of the apostle on August 2 each year; in addition, on the eve of the festival, there is a serenade in honor of the Patron and there is a colorful display of fireworks and social dances. The main days are 23rd, 24th and 25th. Among the folkloric groups or mojigangas, the pallos, the quiayas, the negritos, the contradanzas, the gitanas and the quishpe cóndor stand out, as they add life to the festivities and color as well with their garments.

September

29, Peruvian Paso Horse Contest (Trujillo)

This contest is organized in Trujillo by the national Association of peruvian Paso Horse Breeders and Owners. The Spanish horse, crossed with the Arab horse and raised in the coastal desert of peru, which shaped its pace and style, gave rise to the Peruvian Paso Horse. For 300 years, the blood of this new breed has been enhanced, until it developed the characteristics which have made it the most beautiful of its kind in the world.

Second week of the International ballet Festival (Trujillo)

This classical dance congregates the various ballet schools of peru and latin America in trujillo, in a festival of a highly renowned quality.

September - October

20 to 4 International Spring Festival (Trujillo)

The coming of spring fills the people of Trujillo with joy and happiness. This is why they fill their homes with decorations and flowers and hold a parade with the participation of international beauty queens.

December

1 to 8 Feast of the Virgin of the Door (Otuzco)

On this date, called by the people of Otuzco the day of the Day, the famous image of the Virgin of the Door is taken lowered from her altar while the public prays and leaves offerings at her feet. Then, thousands of believers hold a procession and celebrations in her honor.