Iquitos - The Festival of San Juan

The Festival of San Juan is Iquitos biggest party of the year and is celebrated at the Mercado Artesanal San Juan from June 23-25th. The Festival of San Juan has entertainment ranging from fiestas, to dance competitions featuring indigenous groups to rock concerts.

One tradition of The Festival of San Juan is that everyone in Iquitos gorges themselves on juanes. Juanes are named after the patron saint, San Jaun Bautista and consist of chicken, tomato, and onion all wrapped in a leaf of the bijao palm. The bijao palm leaf has a unique flavour which distinguishes juanes from other tamale like foods.

Another favourite food at The Festival of San Juan is tacacho which is baked banana. The weather during The Festival of San Juan can be cool at times because of the occurrence of friajes or cold spells caused by winds racing in direct from Patagonia. The temperature can drop to a quickly so bring a sweater.