My Definitive Guide to the 2026 Cusco Carnivals: Living Culture in the Andes

Posted On: 30 de enero de 2026 | Festividades y Cultura
Cusco in February is a gem that few tourists fully understand. While many avoid the rains, the expert traveler knows that this is the month when the city shows its most authentic self. The 2026 Cusco Carnivals are not just a date on the calendar; it is a season where the sacred and the profane blend in the stone streets. Here I tell you everything you need to know to immerse yourself in this festival like a local.  
  • Why are Carnivals in Cusco different from the rest of the world?
    Unlike the carnivals in Rio or Venice, in Cusco the festival is community-based. You don’t just watch a parade; you are part of it. Here, tradition is based on «Ayni» (reciprocity) and play. It is a time of agricultural abundance and of thanking Pachamama (Mother Earth) through dance and food.  
  • The Cycle of Festivities: Jueves de Compadres and Comadres
    This is the part that confuses foreigners the most, but it is the most fun. It is celebrated on the two Thursdays preceding the main Sunday.
     
    Jueves de Compadres (February 12, 2026) – (Jueves de Compadres: The start of festive hostilities).
    Jueves de Compadres (which in 2026 falls on February 12) marks the official start of the carnival season in Cusco. It is a day dedicated exclusively to celebrating —and sometimes «punishing» with humor— the men.

What is the origin of this tradition?

This festival has colonial roots mixed with Andean identity. In Cusco, «compadrazgo» (the bond between a child’s parents and their godparents) is a sacred tie. However, during carnival, this respect transforms into healthy mockery and mischief. It is the time of year where hierarchies relax and humor takes control.

The Protagonists: The Rag Dolls

The first thing a tourist will see upon waking up that Thursday are life-sized dolls hanging from light poles, balconies, or the facades of houses and markets.

What is the origin of this tradition?
This festival has colonial roots mixed with Andean identity. In Cusco, «compadrazgo» (the bond between a child’s parents and their godparents) is a sacred tie. However, during carnival, this respect transforms into healthy mockery and mischief. It is the time of year where hierarchies relax and humor takes control.
The Protagonists: The Rag Dolls
The first thing a tourist will see upon waking up that Thursday are life-sized dolls hanging from light poles, balconies, or the facades of houses and markets.

How is the day experienced in the Traditional Markets?

If you recommend your clients visit one place this day, it must be the San Pedro Market or the San Blas Market.
The Welcome: The women (the comadres) are the owners of the party today. They decorate their stalls with balloons, streamers, and flowers.
The Music: From early on, «pitos y tambores» (whistles and drums) bands walk through the aisles playing carnival marches that invite everyone to dance.
The «Baptism»: Sometimes a mock baptism of the dolls is performed, with lots of laughter and toasts.

How should a male tourist participate?

It is important to warn the traveler:
Don’t take offense: If you are a man and you see people laughing or throwing a bit of flour at you, it is part of the integration.
The Toast: It is common for them to offer you a glass of chicha or beer. Tradition dictates that you must accept (even if just a sip) to seal the friendship with the «comadres» of the market.
The Photo: It’s the perfect day for photos! The dolls are true works of ephemeral folk art that you will only see once a year.
Tip for the expert traveler: If you are looking for the heart of this festival, head to San Blas Plaza. There, the artisan community places the most creative and elaborate dolls in the entire city, competing to see who has the most original «compadre.»  

Jueves de Comadres (February 19, 2026) – (Jueves de Comadres: The day when women rule in Cusco).