Santurantikuy

Santurantikiy fair in December 2014 Santurantikuy (Quechua santu saint (a borrowing from Spanish santo), rantikuy to buy something only for oneself, "to buy oneself a saint") is a craft fair held annually on December 24 in the central square of the city of Cusco in Peru. The National Institute of Culture declared the event a National Cultural Heritage by Resolución Directoral National No. 1406/INC-2009.

Every 24 December the Plaza de Armas transforms into a bustling showcase of centuries‑old weaving, pottery and woodwork. Unlike mass‑produced souvenirs, the stalls are run by artisans who weave alpaca wool, carve huaracas and paint retablos right before your eyes. This gives shoppers a chance to see techniques passed down from Inca times and to ask about the symbolism behind each motif. The fair’s timing – on Christmas Eve – links the spiritual theme of gifting with the Andean tradition of offering a "saint" for personal protection. Visitors who linger can watch the creation process, learn the stories behind each piece, and walk away with items that carry both cultural weight and a genuine craft pedigree.

First, arrive early to beat the crowds and secure the best pieces – the most skilled weavers set up their looms at dawn. Bring cash in small denominations; many sellers prefer soles and may not accept cards. Don’t be shy about haggling – a polite "¿Cuánto por este crédito?" often yields a modest discount, especially if you buy multiple items from the same craftsperson. Inspect the stitching on textiles; tight, even threads signal quality, while loose edges suggest a rushed job. Finally, ask for a small "certificado" or receipt that describes the material and technique – it adds provenance and helps you explain the item when you show it off back home.

Many visitors focus solely on the colourful stalls, overlooking the fair's deeper role as a communal rite. Santurantikuy isn’t just a market; it’s a ceremony where locals purchase a figurine of a saint to bless their household for the coming year. This act of buying a personal patron intertwines commerce with devotion, reinforcing community bonds. The fair also serves as a platform for younger artisans to learn from elders, ensuring the craft lineage continues. Recognising these layers – spiritual, social and educational – turns a simple shopping trip into an immersive cultural experience that resonates well beyond the Christmas season.