Peru, a country rich in culture and history, celebrates a diverse array of public holidays throughout the year. These observances reflect the nation’s complex heritage, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish colonial influences and modern national pride. Public Holidays in Peru in 2025 will continue to offer Peruvians and visitors alike opportunities to experience the country’s vibrant traditions and historical commemorations. From religious festivals to patriotic celebrations, these holidays punctuate the calendar with moments of reflection, joy, and community spirit.
This guide explores the significance of Peru’s public holidays, providing insights into the customs, traditions, and historical events that shape these important dates in the Peruvian calendar.
Public Holidays in Peru In 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Peru In 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Maundy Thursday | Apr 17, 2025 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| St. Peter and Paul’s Day | Jun 29, 2025 | Sunday |
| Independence Day | Jul 28, 2025 | Monday |
| Independence Day Holiday | Jul 29, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Santa Rosa de Lima | Aug 30, 2025 | Saturday |
| Battle of Angamos | Oct 08, 2025 | Wednesday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Immaculate Conception | Dec 08, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Paraguay In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
Like in many countries, New Year’s Day in Peru marks the beginning of the calendar year on January 1st. Peruvians celebrate with family gatherings, festive meals, and traditional customs. New Year’s Eve is a time when many individuals remain up until midnight to celebrate the new year with a champagne toast, fireworks, and the consumption of twelve grapes for good fortune.
Some common traditions include wearing yellow underwear for good fortune, running around the block with a suitcase to encourage travel in the coming year, and making resolutions for personal improvement. It’s a time of hope, renewal, and looking forward to new opportunities.
Maundy Thursday
In the Christian Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. In Peru, a predominantly Catholic country, this day is marked by religious observances and traditions. Many Peruvians attend special church services that may include foot-washing ceremonies, symbolizing Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
Families often gather for meals featuring traditional dishes like chupe de viernes (a seafood soup). On this day, some people visit seven churches, a custom known as “Sete Iglesias,” to reflect on different aspects of Jesus’s passion. It’s a day of spiritual reflection and preparation for Good Friday.
Good Friday
Good Friday in Peru is a solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Religious processions, prayer services, and reenactments of the Stations of the Cross in many towns and cities mark it.
Many Peruvians abstain from meat on this day, instead eating fish dishes. Some communities stage elaborate passion plays depicting the events leading to Jesus’s crucifixion. In Ayacucho, the famous “Semana Santa” (Holy Week) celebrations reach their peak on Good Friday with large processions and religious ceremonies. It’s a day of reflection, penance, and remembrance for many Peruvians, with businesses and schools typically closed to observe the holiday.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday in Peru celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and marks the end of Holy Week. It’s a joyous occasion for Christians, contrasting with the solemnity of Good Friday. Families often attend special church services and then gather for festive meals. Traditional Easter foods may include empanadas, roast lamb, and special desserts.
In some areas, people participate in the “Domingo de Resurrección” procession, carrying an image of the resurrected Christ. While not as commercialized as in some countries, children may receive chocolate eggs or small gifts. In Christian tradition, Easter Sunday represents renewal, hope, and the triumph of life over death.
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st in Peru, honors workers and their contributions to society. It’s also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day. The holiday’s source is the 19th-century labor movement’s pursuit of improved working conditions and an eight-hour weekday. Labor unions and workers’ organizations in Peru organize parades, rallies, and demonstrations to commemorate this occasion.
Many businesses and schools are closed, allowing workers to participate in events or enjoy a day off. The government often uses this day to announce labor-related policies or reforms. For many Peruvians, it’s also a day for family gatherings, picnics, or other leisure activities.
Peter and Paul’s Day
St. Peter and Paul’s Day, celebrated on June 29th, honors two of Christianity’s most important apostles. In Peru, this day holds special significance for fishing communities, as St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen. Coastal towns often host colorful processions carrying statues of the saints on decorated boats.
Traditional festivals may include music, dance, and special seafood feasts. In some areas, fishermen decorate their boats and participate in friendly competitions. While it’s a national holiday, celebrations are particularly vibrant in fishing villages and coastal cities. The day also holds religious significance for many Peruvians, with special church services and prayers for the safety of fishermen.
Independence Day
Peru’s Independence Day, celebrated on July 28th, commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1821. It’s one of the most important national holidays, marked by patriotic displays, parades, and festivities throughout the country. The day typically begins with a 21-cannon salute and flag-raising ceremonies.
A large military parade takes place in Lima, the capital. Many Peruvians wear red and white, the national colors, and display flags on their homes and businesses. Traditional music, dance performances, and fireworks are common. It’s a time for Peruvians to celebrate their history, culture, and national identity with pride and unity.
Independence Day Holiday
The Independence Day Holiday, typically observed on July 29th, is an extension of Peru’s Independence Day celebrations. This additional day off allows for prolonged festivities and gives many Peruvians the opportunity to travel or spend time with family.
Some cities and towns continue their Independence Day events with cultural performances, fairs, and local celebrations. It’s common for people to take short trips or vacations during this period, as it often creates a long weekend. The holiday helps boost domestic tourism and gives citizens more time to reflect on and celebrate their national heritage. It’s a continuation of the patriotic spirit from the previous day’s celebrations.
Santa Rosa de Lima
Santa Rosa de Lima, celebrated on August 30th, honors Peru’s patron saint, Isabel Flores de Oliva, known as Santa Rosa de Lima. The Catholic Church canonized her as the first person born in the Americas. Peruvians celebrate with religious processions, carrying her image through streets decorated with flowers.
Many people visit her shrine in Lima, leaving letters with prayers and wishes. On this day, it’s customary to buy and exchange roses. Some celebrate with traditional food and drinks. The holiday also often features cultural events and fairs. For many Peruvians, it’s a day of spiritual reflection and national pride in their country’s religious heritage.
Battle of Angamos
The Battle of Angamos, commemorated on October 8th, honors a significant naval battle in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) between Peru and Chile. The day remembers explicitly the heroic death of Admiral Miguel Grau, Peru’s most renowned naval hero, who died during this battle. Many cities hold parades and ceremonies, particularly in coastal areas and naval bases.
Schools often conduct special activities to teach students about this historical event and Grau’s bravery. The Peruvian Navy plays a central role in the commemorations, with ship displays and military honors. It’s a day that promotes patriotism and remembers the sacrifices made for the country.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1st, is a Christian holiday honoring all saints, known and unknown. In Peru, it’s closely tied to the remembrance of deceased loved ones. Many Peruvians visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves with flowers, candles, and offerings. Families often gather to share meals and memories of the departed.
Traditional foods like “tanta wawa” (sweet bread shaped like babies) are prepared. In some regions, people stay overnight in cemeteries, believing the souls of the dead return to visit. It’s a time for reflection, family unity, and honoring ancestors. The holiday blends Catholic traditions with indigenous Andean beliefs about death and the afterlife.
Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is observed on December 8th, is a significant Catholic holiday in Peru. It commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. Many Peruvians attend special church services and processions honoring the Virgin Mary.
In some cities, particularly those where Mary is the patron saint, there are larger celebrations with parades, music, and fireworks. It’s common to see images of the Virgin Mary decorated with flowers and carried through streets. For many, it’s a day of spiritual reflection and devotion. Some families gather for special meals or outings. The holiday also often marks the beginning of Christmas season preparations for many Peruvians.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in Peru, celebrated on December 25th, is a joyous holiday combining religious observance with family gatherings. Many Peruvians attend Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass) on Christmas Eve, followed by a late-night feast called “La Noche Buena.” Traditional foods include roast turkey, tamales, and panetón (a sweet bread).
Gift-giving often occurs at midnight. Christmas Day itself is usually spent with family, enjoying leftovers and relaxing. Peru’s diverse culture can vary celebrations, with Andean regions incorporating Indigenous traditions. Nativity scenes, or “nacimientos,” are popular decorations. While commercial aspects have grown, for many Peruvians, Christmas remains centered on religious significance and family togetherness.