Anta

Two topics are especially relevant when planning a trip to Anta District: Anta–Huaraz Airport and the San Luis Rey de Francia patronal festival. The airport is located in Anta District, and the patronal festival also takes place there; the festival dates provide a timeframe for your plans, while the airport is a reference point for your arrival. When searching for a hotel in Anta, the reason for your trip can help guide your first decision: Would you like to plan your travel dates around the multi-day festival, or does the airport play a role in planning your arrival?

Anta–Huaraz Airport

Anta–Huaraz Airport is located north of the city of Huaraz in Anta District, Carhuaz Province. Martina Café is in the departures area. Since concessionaires may change, check before your trip whether it will be operating on your travel dates. Caja Piura and Banco de la Nación are listed as ATMs at the airport. Providers and availability may change. If you plan to use an ATM, check the information in advance. A quick check is especially useful if these facilities are important to your travel plans.

San Luis Rey de Francia Patronal Festival

The San Luis Rey de Francia patronal festival is celebrated annually in Anta District. It begins on August 16 and ends on August 27. The novenas also begin on August 16: Each evening, residents go to the church to pray and sing hymns of praise. The main festival day is August 25. The celebration therefore lasts several days, with a particular focus on August 25.

On August 24, the atrium of San Luis Rey de Francia is decorated with fresh flowers, and the saint’s statue is dressed in new clothes. The eve’s program includes a retreta, or concert, in front of the temple in the main square. A band, folk performers, and orchestras take part. The celebration thus combines evening prayers and music with special festive activities around the temple.

The program for the main festival day on August 25 lists 21 firecrackers and wake-up calls at 06:00, followed by a solemn Mass in honor of the saint at 11:00. After Mass, a procession accompanied by a band proceeds around the edge of the square. The Mayordomo then serves a typical lunch to the festivalgoers present. The festival program described also includes two bullfighting afternoons in total, each with a special program.

When choosing dates, distinguish between the overall period and the main day: The celebration runs from August 16 to 27, while August 25 is the central day, bringing together the Mass and procession. The novenas give the evenings from August 16 onward their religious framework; the times of 06:00 and 11:00 refer to two events on the main day. If the festival determines your stay, check the current dates and the program for that year in advance.

Discover more destinations: Buena Vista, Santo Toribio District, Caraz, Yanama District, Carhuaz, Chavin de Huantar, San Juan District, Mancos.

For the overview of the wider region: Ancash.