03/04/2023
Easter is a significant holiday in the Catholic religion and represents the most important days of the year in the Catholic calendar; commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Around the globe Easter is celebrated in various ways, but nobody does it quite like the communities of the Peruvian Andes, especially those in Cusco.
Commonly known as Holy Week (Semana Santa), Easter in Peru is an extremely treasured time of year. The religious and cultural traditions inherited over time are put into practice with great devotion. Although the celebration takes place all over the country, Semana Santa holds particular importance in the city of Cusco.
Experiencing Holy Week in Cusco means witnessing the fervor of thousands of believers of Taytacha Temblores or the Lord of Earthquakes, a saint who is credited with saving the residents of Cusco from an earthquake in 1650. Since then, every Easter, a copper-colored Christ is taken from the Cathedral in procession through the ancient streets, beginning at Plaza de Armas, a short walk from Inkaterra La Casona. The copper-colored Christ is decorated with red ñukchu flowers (salvia esplendes), meant to symbolize the blood of Christ. Quechua singers mark the ceremony with music as residents adorn their balconies and windows with beautiful textiles. This is the most important day of Holy Week for Cuzqueños.
Another key element of Semana Santa are the feasts – what would a celebration be without good food? On Good Friday, Cuzqueños take part in the “tradition of the twelves dishes.” Residents commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper and the 12 disciples by enjoying savory dishes made from local vegetables, fish and dessert such as sweet empanadas and mazamorra morada (prepared with purple corn). Unlike Good Friday customs in other cities of Peru, in Cusco you eat a lot – don’t worry, there is something to suit all tastes!
After seven days of celebration comes the last and most important day for Christians, when the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated. Believers attend morning Mass and listen to the Easter Sunday sermon. After Mass, a procession takes place in the main square closing out Cusco’s unique Holy Week experiences.
Those who wish to travel to Cusco to celebrate an Andean-style Easter can further immerse themselves in the history of the vibrant city with a stay at Inkaterra La Casona, a 16th century colonial manor, situated on a cobble stone street in the heart of Cusco.
If you would like to know more about Inkaterra La Casona, please click here
