The San Juan festival in Peru is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Amazon region of Peru. This celebration, which takes place on June 24th, has deep roots in indigenous traditions and blends with Christian customs. Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of the Amazon, is the protagonist of this festival, but the celebration also pays tribute to Pachamama, Mother Earth, and the natural elements that sustain life in the region.
Every year, thousands of tourists and locals gather in cities like Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Tarapoto to enjoy the festivities, which are a blend of music, dance, rituals, traditional cuisine, and a deep connection with nature. So, enjoy our complete guide for your trip this year to the heart of the jungle!
What is the San Juan Festival?
The Feast of St. John or Fiesta de San Juan is a traditional celebration that honors St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Amazon, and in 2026 is held on June 24 in various regions of Peru, especially in the jungle. Although it has Christian origins, this festivity is fused with indigenous rituals dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and nature.
During the festival, communities celebrate with music, dances, bonfires, rituals and local gastronomy, such as juane (rice with meat wrapped in bijao leaves) and chicha de jora (fermented drink). It is a festival full of joy, union and tradition, in which homage is paid to the natural elements and thanks is given for the fruits that the earth offers.
Importance of the San Juan Festival in Peru
The Feast of San Juan in Peru is a vibrant and meaningful celebration, especially in the Amazon region. Honoring St. John the Baptist, the festival blends indigenous and Christian traditions, creating a unique holiday that celebrates the connection with Pachamama (Mother Earth). It is a time to thank nature for its resources and strengthen community ties through dance, music, bonfires and delicious cuisine such as juane and chicha de jora.
For tourists, it is an unmissable opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich Amazonian culture and enjoy one of the most authentic celebrations in Peru. The Feast of San Juan is much more than a festival, it is a true experience of connection with the jungle and its traditions.
History of the San Juan Festival in Peru
The San Juan Festival in Peru, celebrated every year is a vibrant and deeply rooted tradition, particularly in the Amazonian region. This lively festival honors Saint John the Baptist, but its history and significance go far beyond a simple religious event. It is a unique blend of indigenous customs and Christian beliefs, creating a celebration that resonates with the natural and spiritual essence of the Peruvian Amazon.
The origins of the Fiesta de San Juan can be traced back to the Spanish colonization, when Catholicism was introduced to the Inca Empire. Saint John the Baptist, whose feast day falls on June 24th, became a significant figure in many Peruvian communities. However, the Amazonian indigenous peoples had their own celebrations related to the Pachamama (Mother Earth), honoring the natural forces that sustained them. Over time, these indigenous rituals merged with the Catholic celebrations, resulting in a unique festivity that honors both Saint John and the natural world.
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San Juan festival in Peru: Where it is celebrated
The Fiesta de San Juan is not only one of the most anticipated celebrations in the Amazon region, but also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the vibrant energy of the communities of the Peruvian Amazon. Although the holiday is celebrated in many parts of Peru, the Amazon is the place where it is most intensely experienced, and three cities stand out as the epicenters of this celebration full of color, music, and tradition.
1. Iquitos: The Heart of the Fiesta de San Juan
If you’re looking for an authentic experience of the Fiesta de San Juan, Iquitos is the ideal place. As the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos becomes a true hub of music, dance, and joy during this festival. The city streets are filled with vibrant parades where both locals and tourists join the celebration, dressed in traditional costumes that represent both indigenous and Spanish culture. The rhythms of cumbia and traditional songs resonate from every corner, creating a unique festive atmosphere.
In Iquitos, you’ll not only enjoy the rituals and snake dances, but also spectacular cuisine. During the festival, street food stalls offer delicious Amazonian dishes like juane and duck with tacacho, while bonfires light up the night. It’s a celebration that awakens the senses and fills the heart with positive energy!
2. Pucallpa: Tradition and Culture in the High Jungle
If your destination is the high jungle, Pucallpa is another city you can’t miss during the San Juan Festival. This city, located on the banks of the Ucayali River, offers a unique blend of religious celebrations and cultural activities. During the festival, you can enjoy dances like the Pucallpino dance, live music, and concerts that fill the air with contagious joy. Local communities dress in colorful traditional costumes, and activities are organized in the main square, where families and tourists gather to share moments of camaraderie.
Pucallpa is known for its welcoming spirit, which makes everyone feel at home. Furthermore, the rituals of San Juan are especially important, and the celebrations are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the spiritual connection between Pachamama and the Amazonian communities.
3. Tarapoto: A Refuge of Color and Flavor
Another great destination to enjoy the San Juan Festival is Tarapoto, a charming city located in the heart of the Peruvian high jungle. Tarapoto’s main square becomes the perfect setting for enjoying music, dance, and typical Amazonian food. With its colorful decorations, the streets come alive and fill with tourists and locals who gather to share in the celebration. It is here that you can enjoy a wide variety of traditional dishes, from juane to duck with tacacho, accompanied by the famous chicha de jora, the fermented drink that accompanies the celebrations.
Tarapoto’s atmosphere is warm, and its people are known for their hospitality. During the festival, you’ll not only enjoy cultural activities, but also the deep connection the region’s inhabitants have with nature, a central aspect of the San Juan celebrations.
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Why celebrate San Juan in the amazon?
Each of these cities represents a unique version of San Juan, but they all share a common connection with the Peruvian Amazon and its traditions. From music and dance to cuisine and spiritual rituals, this festival is an excellent opportunity to delve into one of Peru’s richest and most authentic cultures.
How to get to the San Juan Festival?
To experience the San Juan Festival in 2025, the fastest and most convenient way is to take a flight from Lima to the main cities in the Peruvian Amazon: Iquitos, Pucallpa, or Tarapoto. Several airlines, such as LATAM and Avianca, offer direct flights with flight times ranging from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your destination.
If you prefer a more economical option or enjoy the scenery, you can also travel by bus from Lima. Although the trip will be much longer, with estimated times of 24 to 30 hours, the road trip allows you to see the transition between the Andes and the jungle.
For those who want a more complete experience without logistical worries, several tour operators in Peru offer complete packages for the San Juan Festival. These packages include transportation, accommodations, visits to local communities, and activities that immerse you in the region’s traditions, ensuring you don’t miss a single detail of the festival.
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What to do during the San Juan Festival in Peru
Enjoy traditional dances: During the festival, the streets come alive with indigenous dances such as the snake dance and the village dance, which tell ancestral stories while inviting everyone to dance and join in the celebration.
Local cuisine: You can’t miss the delicious juane, a traditional Amazonian dish of rice and meat wrapped in bijao leaves. Pair it with a refreshing chicha de jora, a fermented drink native to the region. An explosion of local flavors!
Participate in rituals: In many communities, rituals for Pachamama (Mother Earth) are an essential part of the festivities. You can join in prayers, offerings, and ceremonies of gratitude for the abundance of the rainforest, a deeply spiritual experience that connects with the region’s indigenous roots.
The Juane
One of the highlights of the Fiesta de San Juan is its gastronomy, particularly the juane, a delicious dish made of rice, chicken, and spices, wrapped in bijao leaves. This dish is not only a feast for the body but also a symbol of the festival’s fusion of indigenous and Catholic influences. According to tradition, the juane represents the head of Saint John, and its preparation is an integral part of the celebration. The food is shared among families and communities, strengthening social bonds and creating a sense of unity and abundance.
Music and Dance
The music and dance during the San Juan Festival are a true reflection of the Amazonian spirit. From traditional rhythms like the cumbia to indigenous dances such as the danza de la serpiente, the festival fills the streets with energy and movement. People don brightly colored costumes, sing folk songs, and dance around the bonfires, celebrating life, joy, and the connection to their cultural roots. This lively atmosphere is a perfect example of the Amazonian people’s love for celebration and community.
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FAQs about the San Juan Festival 2025
If you are interested in the Fiesta de San Juan and want to know more details about this fascinating celebration, here we have gathered the answers to the most common questions. Whether you are planning to attend or simply want to learn more about the tradition and festivities, this section will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of this unique experience in the Peruvian Amazon. Read on and find out everything you need to know!
1. When is the San Juan Festival?
The Fiesta de San Juan is celebrated every June 24th, but the festivities actually begin several days before, with vibrant cultural events, lively dances, music performances, and local preparations that set the tone for the grand celebration.
2. Where is the Fiesta de San Juan celebrated?
This festival is most prominently celebrated in the Amazonian cities of Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Tarapoto, all of which are located in Peru’s lush Amazon region. These cities become the epicenter of the celebrations, filled with music, dance, and the vibrant spirit of the Amazon.
3. What activities take place during the festival?
During the Fiesta de San Juan, you can expect a variety of fun and traditional activities, such as dance performances, live music, ritual ceremonies, fishing competitions, and enjoying a feast of typical Amazonian cuisine like juane and chicha de jora. There is also a strong community vibe, as everyone gathers to celebrate and give thanks to the land.
4. How can I get to the Fiesta de San Juan?
To attend the Fiesta de San Juan, the easiest way is to take a direct flight from Lima to Iquitos, Pucallpa, or Tarapoto. Flights from Lima to these cities are short, typically around 1-2 hours. If you’re on a budget, you can also opt for bus travel, though the journey will take approximately 24 to 30 hours.
5. Is theSan Juan festival in Peru safe?
Yes, the Fiesta de San Juan is generally safe, but as with any large public celebration, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. To ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience, we recommend booking your trip through a Peruvian tour operator, who can provide a guided tour, handle logistics, and ensure a smooth and safe journey.
6. Can tourists participate in the rituals and dances?
Absolutely! The Fiesta de San Juan is open to everyone, and tourists are encouraged to join in the fun. Whether it’s participating in the traditional dances, enjoying local food, or taking part in the spiritual rituals, the festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.
Experience the San Juan Festival in Peru
The San Juan Festival in Peru is a celebration of life, nature, and community. It blends indigenous spirituality with Catholic customs, creating a unique cultural experience that is deeply rooted in Amazonian traditions. Whether you are drawn to the delicious food, the lively dances, or the spiritual connection with the earth, the Fiesta de San Juan offers an unforgettable experience that captures the heart and soul of the Peruvian Amazon. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible celebration in 2025 – a true testament to the resilience, joy, and unity of the Amazonian people.
