Holy Week in Cusco is a popular date that brings together thousands of visitors from all over the world. The religious and cultural traditions inherited for decades mark this period with intense manifestations of faith. For the people of Cusco, these are essential dates because the processions are attended by thousands of people.

During the week of Lent, considered a time of penance, believers prepare for the celebration of Easter. There are processions inherited from generation to generation and a lot of devotion from the believers. For the devout, these are dates of great faith and reflection. Here we tell you why Holy Week in Cusco is a date that celebrates not only tradition – but also history.

How do they celebrate Holy Week in Cusco?

Just like the Cusco Cathedral, other churches in Cusco open their doors during Holy Week to receive millions of devotees. Between the masses, the peculiar processions and the feeling of faith that fills the streets of Cusco, the celebrations begin.

Among the local beliefs, there is the one that points out the healing properties that plants, herbs and roots acquire during Good Friday. For that reason, farmers from all over Cusco gather in the plazas to offer an incredible variety of healing herbs.

Procession of the Lord of the Tremors

The “Taytacha de los Temblores” or Lord of the Tremors is one of the main processions that congregates a large part of the population. During Holy Monday, a crucified Christ, distinguished by its indigenous features, walks through the main streets of the city and the Main Square of Cusco.

This procession takes place the day after Palm Sunday, where the blessings have already been given. The highlight of this procession is when the Lord of the Tremors blesses the believers from the shoulders of the teams of porters. At this moment you can see the great devotion of thousands of women who cry before the image of the Andean Jesus.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is the day that marks the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. On this day the faithful attend mass in the morning and hear the liturgical psalm. In Cusco it is celebrated with the blessing of palm leaves and woven crosses, which are hung behind the doors of every home as a sign of protection.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday marks the second day of Holy Week and is a symbolic day where you can see the devotion of the people of Cusco and thousands of faithful gathered in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. It is also on Holy Monday when the Archbishop of Cusco offers the Communion Mass in the Cathedral.

However, the highlight of this second day of Holy Week is the procession of the Señor de los Temblores, considered the Patron Saint of the city. Witnessing this procession is a truly unique experience as it is an example of deep faith and tradition that has been going on for several decades.

Holy Thursday

It is well known that on Holy Thursday, the authorities of Cusco – such as the mayor and the prefect of the city – carry the Holy Sacrament in procession. Masses are also celebrated in all the churches.

Good Friday

Good Friday is characterized by the tradition of the twelve plates which allude to the twelve disciples of Christ. In the district of Sayllapata in the province of Paucartambo for example, soups made with Andean ingredients are usually prepared. Whether it is the soup known as k’irku, prepared with tarwi, cheese, milk and eggs or the soup made from whole chicken eggs, the meal always represents a special tradition.

One of the customs that also occurs in Cusco is that on Good Friday red meat should not be consumed, as the people are in abstinence. Other ingredients on which the dishes are concentrated are potatoes, corn, ollucos and wheat. In any of the streets you will find dishes offered with these Andean ingredients, including trout sudado and saltado de bacalao.

Resurrection Sunday

Easter Sunday begins with masses of the faithful who come from 7 a.m. to the first mass of the morning to listen to the homily for Easter Sunday. It is the most important day for Christians because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.

If you are in Cusco during Easter Sunday, you will see that besides celebrating mass in all the churches, there is also a procession with the image of the resurrected Christ. You will see that in the squares there is movement and you will be able to enjoy the typical food that is offered during the whole day.