Every August 15, the beautiful White City celebrates the anniversary of its Spanish foundation. During these festivities, Arequipa comes alive as thousands of locals and visitors gather to enjoy parades, concerts, flavorful food festivals, cultural events, and, of course, the colorful and traditional Friendship Parade (Corso de la Amistad).
More than just another date on the calendar, Arequipa’s anniversary is the perfect occasion to celebrate everything that makes this city unique: its rich history, impressive white volcanic stone architecture, world-famous cuisine, and the proud, resilient spirit that has made it one of Peru’s most beloved and important cities.
The main celebration takes place every August 15, commemorating the city's Spanish foundation in 1540. On that day, Captain Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, acting on behalf of Francisco Pizarro, founded the settlement, originally naming it "Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunta" (Beautiful Town of Our Lady of the Assumption). One year later, King Charles V officially granted it the title of city.
Today, the entire month of August is considered Arequipa's Jubilee Month. The celebrations extend far beyond a single day, with weeks of cultural, artistic, and civic events honoring the city's history, traditions, and strong regional identity.
Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the fertile Chili River Valley was home to several pre-Hispanic cultures that took advantage of its rich soils to develop prosperous agricultural communities.
On August 15, 1540, the Spanish officially founded the city in a strategic location surrounded by the majestic Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. Its fertile lands and privileged position made it an important connection point for trade routes across southern South America.
Thanks to this strategic location, Arequipa quickly became one of the most influential commercial, cultural, and religious centers of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
| Fact | Information |
| Date | August 15 |
| Founded | 1540 |
| Founder | Garcí Manuel de Carbajal |
| Nickname | The White City |
| Main Event | Friendship Parade (Corso de la Amistad) |
| Celebration Month | August |
One of Arequipa’s most distinctive and admired features is undoubtedly its architecture built from sillar, a brilliant white volcanic stone extracted from the quarries surrounding the city.
This remarkable material was used to construct the city's churches, convents, colonial mansions, and monuments that define its beautiful Historic Center, which was proudly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
It is this unique and breathtaking architecture that earned Arequipa its famous nickname around the world: the beautiful "White City."
The celebrations begin during the very first days of August, filling the streets with joy and bringing together thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy a wide variety of cultural and recreational events.
Among the most important highlights of the festivities are:
The legendary Friendship Parade (Corso de la Amistad) is undoubtedly the most iconic, vibrant, and colorful event of Arequipa's anniversary celebrations.
For several hours, an impressive procession of dance troupes, folkloric groups, marching bands, and beautifully decorated floats travels along the city's main avenues. It is a spectacular showcase of the cultural richness of Arequipa and other regions of Peru that join in the festivities.
Every year, thousands of spectators gather along the parade route to experience this unforgettable celebration filled with music, tradition, and color, making it one of the country's most important and popular tourist events.
Celebrating Arequipa's anniversary also means enjoying one of the finest and most prestigious culinary traditions in Peru.
Throughout the month of August, Arequipa’s traditional and historic picanterías (local restaurants) open their doors to thousands of visitors eager to experience the authentic flavors of the region. Among the culinary specialties you simply cannot miss are:
These centuries-old recipes are an essential part of Arequipa's culinary heritage and provide one of the best reasons to visit the city during its anniversary celebrations.
If you're planning to visit during Arequipa's anniversary month, make the most of your stay by exploring the region's most iconic attractions.
These are the must-see destinations:
Each of these destinations offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating history, remarkable architecture, and spectacular landscapes that have made Arequipa one of Peru's most beloved travel destinations.
August 15 commemorates the Spanish founding of Arequipa, a historic event that took place in 1540 under the leadership of Captain Garcí Manuel de Carbajal.
The nickname comes from the city's stunning architecture. Many of its churches, mansions, and historic monuments were built using sillar, a beautiful white volcanic stone quarried near the city.
Without question, it is the Friendship Parade (Corso de la Amistad), a spectacular procession featuring traditional dances, marching bands, colorful floats, and thousands of performers that fills the city's streets with celebration every year.
Arequipa's cuisine is considered one of the finest in Peru. During your visit, don't miss specialties such as rocoto relleno, chupe de camarones, adobo arequipeño, ocopa arequipeña, and soltero de queso.
August is Arequipa's Anniversary Month, when the city comes alive with cultural events, parades, concerts, and culinary festivals. It is the perfect opportunity to experience its rich history, remarkable heritage, outstanding cuisine, and the warmth and hospitality of its people in an unforgettable celebration.
