Christmas in Cusco - this means Christmas lights, hot chocolate and Paneton all around the city.

During this time of year Cusco is bright and busy, full of small Christmas markets and people getting into the Christmas spirit. Every Sunday morning plazas are filled with locals and people shopping for Peruvian gifts, textiles, incense and candles. But still, no comparison to all the stressed out people running and hysterically looking for Christmas gifts. The Peruvians do really enjoy the Christmas time as a period to meet their beloved friends and family and enjoy the Christmas spirit.

Christmas in Cusco is characterized by the birth of Jesus and this is depicted in the numerous Nacimientos found outside all the churches in town – 3D constructed murals of Nativity scenes with Jesus, Mary and other deciphels. Every church and almost every Cusceno household has one of these, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas, plants and pieces for these murals are sold on the streets and in markets. Most Peruvians are Catholics and churches can be found on almost every block in Cusco. Andeans have a strong religious devotion and Christmas is found to take on elements of traditions of each region of Peru. Further in the Andes festivities often continue for two weeks, until the “arrival of the three wise men”.

Here at School everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit, with decorations and plans for festivities and fun. We have our very own Nacimiento, and Christmas parties are planned to celebrate the Christmas traditions of all students across the 23rd, 24th and 25th of December.

Already parties and festivities have been found in and around the Plaza, with locals performing traditional dances and proclamations of love - Marinera, Salsa and Saya. Andean people dance through the streets in traditional dress and liven up the city with their music and enthusiasm.

Many private institutions and churches organize “Chocolatadas”, Christmas events aimed at bringing Christmas to those less fortunate. This weekend Amauta staff and students will visit the village of Qualamtombo, near the Sacred Valley, to have Christmas with the families of the village. We take presents, toys and clothes for the children and enjoy a fun weekend of camping, with hot chocolate and Pâneton (chocolate breads), bringing Christmas to the children and their families.

On Christmas Eve,Cusco holds the famous Santuranticuy market. People from villages and faraway places come to Cusco to sell handicrafts and live on the street for several days whilst this market takes place. The Plaza will be covered with colorful offerings, baby Jesus, Saints and many special handmade products.

At midnight on Christmas Eve most Peruvians go to mass in a church while also being treated to fireworks in the plaza for it is no doubt tradition to enjoy the celebration of Christmas with the explosions of color in the sky.

A truly thoughtful and spiritual experience!