Arequipa: the White City’s Anniversary

Hi everyone!! Since we are in the anniversary month of Arequipa, I am going to tell you a bit about what knowing this beautiful city during this month means.

Arequipa was founded on August 15^th, 1540 at the foot of the Misti volcano in the Andes mountain range. Its people are known for having a strong temper and for being tenaciously proud of their land, this is why we can find the phrase “No en vano se nace al pie de un volcán” (“Not in vain one is born at the foot of a volcano”) in one of the arches of the Yanahuara square.

There are different activities that are carried out throughout August to pay homage to the city: gastronomic and dance festivals, handicrafts fairs, parades, excursions, international artists’ concerts and more.

Regarding gastronomy, the adobo arequipeño festival stands out. The adobo arequipeño is a traditional dish made of marinated pork. This festival is carried out in the Cayma district square: the typical place to taste this delicious dish. Besides, you can taste other typical dishes in the “Chacu de Vicuñas” festival and in the Feria Internacional Arequipa (FIA) (Arequipa’s international fair)

You can also go to different dance festivals, such as Festidanzas that has international guests and Taller Internacional de Danzas Folklóricas (International Dances Folk Workshop).

The best-known handicraft fair is in the Fundo El Fierro, next to the San Francisco square in the historic center of the city.

The parades, excursions and concerts take place in different dates throughout August, so you don’t miss any of them.

On August 14^th, the previous day to the anniversary’s main date, all the squares in every district and the FIA carry out the typical serenade to celebrate one more year of the city’s foundation. People sing proudly the city’s anthem on August 15^th at midnight.

Visit Arequipa and share the pride of living one of the best festivities in Peru with its people.  Check out our tours clicking HERE!