25/12/2025
Christmas vibes Andean Style - Santuraytikuy is a vibrant Andean Christmas tradition from the Cusco region of Peru, celebrated every year on December 24 in the historic Plaza de Armas.
On this day, Indigenous communities from the surrounding villages travel to Cusco to sell handcrafted nativity figures made of clay, wood, stone, and dried plants. These figures blend Catholic symbolism with ancient Andean beliefs, creating unique scenes where the baby Jesus is often shown as a local child, surrounded by llamas, alpacas, and native plants instead of traditional European animals.
The square fills with music, traditional dress, storytelling, and generations of artisans proudly sharing their work. Each piece reflects deep respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Andean worldview, where spirituality, nature, and daily life are closely connected. Santuraytikuy offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience Christmas through Andean eyes—authentic, meaningful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
