Puno Day in Peru Date in the current year: November 5, 2024

The city of Puno was established on November 4, 1668 by Viceroy of Peru Pedro Antonio Fernández de Castro. However, long before the Spanish came to Peru, Lake Titicaca had been the heart of the powerful Inca Empire.

The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. It is believed to have been founded by Manco Cápac. According to legend, Manco Cápac was a son of the sun god Inti and the goddess of the moon Mama Killa. They sent him and his siblings to the earth to unite and enlighten people.

Manco Cápac founded the Kingdom of Cusco that grew to become the Inca Empire (also known as Tawantinsuyu, “The Four Regions”) around 1200 and ruled it for about four decades. He founded the capital city of Cusco, forbade human sacrifices (that would later be restored), and introduced a set of laws.

Celebrations dedicated to Manco Cápac begin during the first week of November, culminating on November 5. On this day, various parades, musical and dance performances, fairs, and other spectacular events are held at the city stadium and main square of Puno. One of the main highlights of the holiday is the reenactment of the legend about the creation of the Inca Empire.