🐄 SANTIAGO FESTIVAL IN HUANCAYO: WHEN CATTLE GET DRESSED UP, PEOPLE DANCE, AND ALL OF PERU CELEBRATES 🐂

If you’re in Huancayo between July 24 and mid-August, get ready for something unforgettable.
The Santiago Festival takes over everything: houses, streets, hearts, and even the cattle – which are decorated like guests of honor. No joke.

And if you’re wondering: “What’s going on here?” – relax, you arrived at the best time of the year to experience the culture of the Mantaro Valley at its peak.

When is it celebrated?

Officially, the Santiago Festival is on July 25 (in honor of Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint of cattle).
But in practice
 it overflows.

From July 24 to almost all of August, towns, neighborhoods, and communities across the Mantaro Valley (Huancayo, Sapallanga, Hualhuas, Chongos Bajo, Cullhuas, etc.) celebrate their own Santiago on different dates.

And right in the middle of it, on July 28 and 29, Peru celebrates its Independence Day.
So the combo is: culture + dance + music + national pride = guaranteed party.

Why decorate cows?

Because here, cattle are not only for milk, meat, and work – they are symbols of wealth, heritage, and connection with the land.

That’s why they’re decorated with garlands, flowers, ribbons, and colorful fabrics, as a sign of gratitude and respect.

Some animals are even paraded or blessed, while the whole family follows with a live band (12–18 musicians) and dancing.
It’s a spectacle you won’t see anywhere else!

How do people dance Santiago?

  • Foot-stomping dance, women’s high-pitched shouts (guapidos), and loud whistles.
  • Women wear colorful skirts with flower patterns, bright hats, belts decorated with fruit, money, or coca leaves.
  • Men wear traditional suits.
  • And above all: lots of passion.

Foot-stomping?

This stomping is the soul of the festival. It’s danced:

  • In circles,
  • In pairs,
  • Or with the whole family in the patio.

Strong steps hit the ground, making dust rise.

It’s not about dancing “nicely” – it’s about dancing with your heart.
And if you’re a tourist and someone invites you
 say yes. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how. What matters is that you take part.
In this festival, nobody stays still.

What about the food?

Get ready to eat well (and a lot):

  • Pachamanca: meat and tubers cooked underground with hot stones.
  • ChicharrĂłn with corn, tripe soup (mondongo), fried guinea pig, spicy potato with chicken.
  • For the brave: caldo de cabeza (head soup) in the early morning – locals say it cures everything so you can keep partying.

To drink:

  • Cold beer đŸș
  • Sugarcane liquor (cañazo)
  • Fermented corn beer (chicha de jora)

Everything is served family-style, with warmth, and often strangers are welcomed as guests – free food and even a place to stay.

How to get to Huancayo?

Huancayo is in the center of Peru, in the Mantaro Valley. It doesn’t have an international airport, but it’s easy to reach from Lima.

Step 1: Get to Lima

Fly into Lima – Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM).

Option 1: Flight + road

  • Fly from Lima to Jauja (JAU) – just 45 minutes.
  • From Jauja to Huancayo: 1 hour by taxi (safe and affordable).
  • Recommended if you prefer short trips and don’t want long hours on the road.

Option 2: By road from Lima

  • Tourist bus (8–10 hours)

    • Companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Movil Tours, Civa.
    • Comfortable buses with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms.
    • Choose daytime (for views) or night (to sleep).

  • Private car or rental (7–8 hours)

    • Road: Lima – La Oroya – Huancayo.
    • Amazing scenery, but many curves and high altitude (4,800+ meters).
    • Only recommended if you’re experienced driving in mountains.

What about the train?

The tourist train Lima – Huancayo runs only on special dates (like Easter). Not a daily option.

Honest tips if you’re a tourist:

  • Arrive early (July), but stay as long as you can – August is also full of parties!
  • Ask which town has Santiago that weekend – there’s always one.
  • Wear comfy clothes, sunscreen, and a jacket for the night (hot days, cold nights, and sometimes sudden rain).
  • Don’t be shy – locals are very welcoming, especially to tourists.
  • Save battery on your phone
 you’ll want to record everything.

In summary...

The Santiago Festival in the Mantaro Valley is not just a tourist show.
It’s a living tradition – mixing faith, family, joy, music, and pride.

If you’re there, don’t just watch – join in.
Dance, eat, drink, and let the Huancayo spirit embrace you.

Because this festival will stay with you forever.

✍ Author: Sheyla Milagros Abanto Arhuis
📍 Huancayo, Junín, Peru