Every Christmas Eve, Cusco's main square brings together artisans and visitors around Niño Manuelito and Andean nativity scenes. Here is what Santurantikuy means, what you can see and what to check for the 2026 edition.
The short answer: Santurantikuy is a traditional folk-art fair held in Cusco's main square on December 24. Its central figure is Niño Manuelito, surrounded by handmade nativity scenes, clothing and ornaments. The tradition and date are documented; the exact 2026 program, hours and stall layout need confirmation from the organizers.
Cover photograph: the 2014 fair, not the 2026 edition. Renate Zindel / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; resized.
What Santurantikuy is
Its name is often translated as “sale of saints.” This Christmas folk-art fair connects religious imagery, artisan techniques and materials from the Andes. EMUFEC, the municipal organization behind the celebration, describes artisans from Cusco's neighborhoods and surrounding provinces gathering in the main square.
The fair was declared National Cultural Heritage in 2009. The official resolution recognizes its role in bringing together different sectors of Cusco society and expressing regional popular culture. It is a living tradition: the people and pieces on display vary from year to year.
Date and location
The traditional date is December 24, in Plaza de Armas, Cusco. Both Perú Travel and EMUFEC identify that day and place. Some previous editions included nearby dates, but their schedules should not be treated as a confirmed 2026 program.
If you are traveling for Christmas, give yourself time to reach your lodging and walk around the square. The event is popular, so keep your route flexible and follow any access arrangements announced for the current edition.
Niño Manuelito and Cusco nativity scenes
Niño Manuelito is at the heart of the fair. According to EMUFEC, artisans offer figures, clothing and objects for nativity scenes, along with plants and small decorative pieces. You may see ceramics, silverwork, tinwork and religious sculpture in different styles and sizes.
Ask makers about materials, techniques and how to transport a delicate piece. The conversation helps you understand the work behind what you buy.
Crafts to see and buy
EMUFEC also describes a section for Pucará pieces and artisans from San Blas. The exact arrangement may change, so take these as cultural highlights, not a 2026 stall map.
Walk around before choosing a souvenir. Compare finishes, ask whether it is handmade and carry some small cash notes as well as another payment option. Ask before photographing people or their work up close. Perú Travel recommends visiting early for a wider selection.
How to plan your visit
Keep part of December 24 free for the square. Browse at an easy pace, spend time with the Niño Manuelito displays and then explore the surrounding historic center. Confirm Christmas Eve opening hours before relying on any restaurant or attraction.
December is part of Cusco's rainy season, so bring a light rain layer and comfortable shoes. Our Cusco in December guide covers weather, packing and other activities. Allow time to enjoy the fair instead of squeezing it between tightly timed transfers.
What still needs confirmation for 2026
As of November 4, 2026, we have not found an official final 2026 program with hours and stall layout. Check the EMUFEC website and Cusco municipality updates closer to December. Do not mistake photographs, maps or schedules from 2014 or 2025 for announcements about the upcoming edition.
Sources and photo credits
Reviewed November 4, 2026 using EMUFEC, Perú Travel and the cultural heritage resolution. Both real photographs document the December 24, 2014 fair, not 2026. They are by Renate Zindel under CC BY 2.0 and were resized for the web.
Equipo editorial GT Peru Travel
Travel guides · GT Peru Travel · Cusco, Peru
Cultural guides prepared by a local team and checked against official sources.
