Peñico Raymi Festival Revives Ancient Andean Traditions
Published on 7.12.25
The Caral Archaeological Zone in Peru's Lima region is set to host the first Peñico Raymi festival on July 12th, a replica of a traditional Andean celebration. Located in the Supe Valley, Peñico was a "City of Social Integration" from around 1800-1500 BC, connecting coastal and mountain populations through trade networks. The site is significant as it was home to the Caral culture, one of the oldest pre-Hispanic civilizations in America, which flourished between 3000-1800 BC. Hematite, a mineral used to make red pigment, played a crucial role in Peñico's prestige and cosmology. A ceremonial hall discovered at the site is now on display, with its exact limits still unknown.