Peru Halloween and Dia de la Cancion Criolla celebrations

In mid-October, economic projections indicated that the dual celebrations of Halloween and Dia de la Cancion Criolla would drive significant economic activity in Peru. The Small Business Guild of the Lima Chamber of Commerce estimated that small and medium-sized enterprises could see sales increases of 8% to 12%, with total economic movement expected to exceed S/ 100 million.

By late October, the focus shifted to the cultural and social aspects of the festivities. The National Registry of Identification and Civil Status noted various names registered in the country inspired by Halloween horror cinema, such as Demian, Merlina, and Catrina. Simultaneously, the celebrations honored Dia de la Cancion Criolla, a tradition established in 1944 to promote national identity through traditional musical genres like vals peruano, marinera, and tondero.

As October 31 arrives, festivities for Dia de la Canción Criolla include musical performances and gastronomic fairs. In Lima, events such as the Gran Cajoneada at Plaza Mayor are being held, alongside concerts by artists including Los Kipus, Los Hermanos Ballumbrosio, Lucía de la Cruz, and Brunella Torpoco. Other performances are set for the Teatro Peruano Japonés and Teatro Segura. Culinary traditions remain central to the holiday, with families gathering to eat traditional dishes like anticuchos, ají de gallina, and picarones.