Traditional healers in Peru conducted a spiritual ceremony Monday to offer blessings for the two contenders in this weekend’s decisive presidential election, as the South American nation prepares to choose a new leader amid ongoing political turmoil and corruption issues.
The ceremonial blessing represents a customary practice performed at the beginning of each year and prior to major elections.
The spiritual leaders assembled at Herradura Beach in Lima’s Chorrillos district, displaying images of both presidential hopefuls during the seaside ceremony.
The final contest features Keiko Fujimori, a conservative politician and daughter of former disgraced President Alberto Fujimori, against Roberto Sánchez, a nationalist congressman and ex-minister. Current polling shows the race extremely close ahead of Sunday’s vote.
During April’s initial voting round, Fujimori secured slightly more than 17% of ballots cast, while Sánchez captured approximately 12% among a large group of contenders. The first round experienced significant operational difficulties that prevented thousands of citizens both domestically and internationally from voting. The country’s election officials required several weeks to confirm the final two candidates for the decisive round.
The ceremonial blessing incorporated flower petals, fresh fruit, coca leaves, and aromatic palo santo wood pieces, along with black tobacco, ceremonial swords, and ritual dolls. The shamans also ignited bright-colored flares and played traditional drums.
“The ritual we perform is primarily intended to ensure that the best candidate is the one who represents our Peru,” said shaman Andrés de los Santos, who had traveled to Lima from the north of the country.
While the spiritual leaders offered no predictions during this ceremony, they have made forecasts previously. At the conclusion of 2025, they predicted Venezuela’s then-President Nicolás Maduro, now facing drug trafficking charges in the United States, would no longer be in office by the end of 2026.
Sunday’s victor will become Peru’s ninth president within a 10-year span, taking over from José María Balcázar, who assumed the interim presidency in February. Balcázar succeeded another temporary leader, José Jerí, who was removed due to corruption accusations after serving only four months.
Peru’s incoming president will take the oath of office on July 28 for a five-year term.
