Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (PET)
In Cusco, Carnival doesn’t start all at once—it is announced with laughter, jokes, and plenty of playful mischief. This perfect prelude has a name of its own: Compadres and Comadres, one of the most fun, irreverent, and beloved traditions in Cusco’s festive calendar.
More than just a celebration, Compadres and Comadres is a social game filled with humor, satire, and togetherness, where no one escapes a good-natured joke.
🎭 What are Compadres and Comadres?
It is a festivity celebrated on two consecutive Thursdays before Carnival Sunday:
Each day is symbolically dedicated to men and women, respectively, and is marked by public jokes, satirical figures, and celebrations among friends, families, and entire neighborhoods.
😂 The tradition of the dolls
One of the most eye-catching elements is the creation of life-sized dolls, made from old clothes, straw, and masks. These dolls humorously and exaggeratedly represent compadres or comadres—friends, neighbors, public figures, or even social stereotypes.
The dolls are hung from balconies, poles, or placed in public squares, accompanied by playful, witty messages. The goal is not to offend, but to spark laughter and a sense of shared fun.
📍 Where is the celebration held?
Although the festivities take place throughout the city, traditional neighborhoods and Cusco’s Plaza de Armas gather much of the festive atmosphere. Celebrations are also common in family courtyards, markets, and main streets.
🎶 Music, toasts, and good humor
During Compadres and Comadres, you’ll always find:
- Popular music and traditional carnival songs
- Toasts with traditional drinks
- Typical food prepared to share
- Games, laughter, and spontaneous gatherings
It’s a celebration where locals and visitors easily blend together. If you’re in Cusco on these days, be ready to join the fun 😄.
💡 Tips to enjoy Compadres and Comadres
- Take it with a sense of humor—playfulness is part of the tradition
- Ask permission before taking photos of people or dolls
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Chat with locals—they’ll happily explain the jokes
- Don’t misinterpret the messages: everything is meant in a festive spirit
🌄 The perfect start to Carnival in Cusco
Compadres and Comadres officially mark the beginning of Cusco’s Carnival. It’s the perfect warm-up before the big days of yunza celebrations, water games, and large street festivities.
✨ If there is one day that truly reflects Cusco’s joyful, creative, and communal spirit, it is this one. Laughing at yourself, sharing moments, and celebrating together is the essence of a tradition that remains alive year after year.
Traveling to Cusco during this time means discovering that here, Carnival is not only danced—it’s also joked about, shared, and celebrated as a community 🎊🎭
