Experience Halloween and “Todos los Santos” in Cusco — A Living Tradition in the Heart of the Peruvian Andes
Halloween in Cusco is more than just a night of costumes and candies — it’s a cultural fusion where ancient Andean traditions meet modern celebrations. Discover how the people of Cusco honor their ancestors and celebrate their traditional festival called All Saints’ Day alongside Halloween, during days filled with ancestral rituals, music, the traditional T’anta Wawa bread, and deep respect for their relatives who are believed to visit them temporarily.
In Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, October 31st and November 1st are not days where only Halloween is celebrated. Those days are also a celebration of life, death, and connection. Halloween is considered a modern festivity; on the night of October 31st Cusco is filled with colorful costumes, street music, candies and decoration however the true magic begins the next day with Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and the “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) on 2nd day of November.
Todos los Santos: tradition and connection with the ancestors
Cusco is a city deeply rooted in tradition. Every November first, we celebrate a tradition that connects us with our culture and our ancestors who passed away.
On November 1st, in Cusco we honor the Día de Todos los Santos or Day of the Living, while on November 2nd, they celebrate the Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead. These two days are filled with color, music, and family gatherings. Cemeteries become vibrant spaces where people bring food, drinks, and even live music to honor their loved ones. This heartfelt tribute takes place in several cemeteries across Cusco, such as La Almudena and Huancaro, each cemetery filled with life, flowers, and remembrance. A special tradition on this day is, for example, to cook a dish that was the favorite of the ancestor who passed away and wait for him to visit your home.
Flavors of tradition: the t’anta wawa and Lechon
The star of the season is the T’anta Wawa, a Quechua term meaning “bread baby.” The T’anta Wawa is soft, sweet, and shaped like a swaddled infant, this bread symbolizes renewal and affection. This is specially gifted to girls. Locals also bake horse-shaped versions for boys. The decoration of these traditional breads includes candies, chocolates, and decorations made only on these breads.
The main dish during Todos los Santos is the Lechón Cusqueño — roasted pork that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, usually served with tamales. Since lechon is a dish traditionally prepared in Cusco homes, it requires slow cooking in a traditional clay oven, so bakeries are full of orders to roast lechon during this time of year. Cusco families often bring the lechon to be slowly roasted and then pick it up to enjoy together. Families gather to share this meal, reinforcing the bond between food, memory, and celebration.
A journey beyond the ordinary
If you visit Cusco during Halloween and All Saints’ Day, you’ll witness how Andean mysticism, Catholic devotion, and the joy of awaiting the spiritual and symbolic return of a loved one merge into an unforgettable experience.
During these days, you can also visit Sacsayhuaman at sunset and feel the energy of the festivities even more intensely. You can also stroll through its cobblestone streets during the nighttime parades and join the food festivals to savor traditional dishes and share laughter in the city’s markets.
Did you know about this radiation? Come to Cusco and learn about our culture with Travel Peru Agency.