Almost all Peruvians are Catholics. This means they, like people in Christian countries, commemorate the resurrection of Christ. Peruvians take the Holy Week celebration seriously. They do so not only for their beliefs but also for the inheritance they received from their parents and ancestors.
Semana Santa, or “Holy Week,” usually begins on Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday or Monday. Peru considers this week to be one of its most important festivals. They feature exuberant events, a variety of traditional food styles, and joyful processions.
If you want to spend a holiday in Peru, now is the time!
So, how can you make the most of Peru during Holy Week? Consider that celebrations in Peru are large and almost identical in each city. Still, certain towns you should not miss due to their distinctive celebrations.
Holy Week in Cusco
Cusco is one of Peru’s most traditional cities. It may be the city where this event is celebrated with the most fervor. If you plan on visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu during the Semana Santa festival, you will have an excellent chance to witness local rituals and cuisine. You will also see how people in Cusco blend Catholicism with Inca culture.
Cusco stands out by its wide range of traditions and beliefs from the New and Old Worlds. Monday is the most important day of that week. It represents the beginning of the procession of El Señor de los Temblores (The Lord of the Earthquakes), a crucified Christ with indigenous appearance.
This is an ideal time to visit Peru with your loved ones since your entire family can take part in local rituals around Cusco and Machu Picchu, as well as see other historical sites. Holy Thursday is the day when 12 local and traditional dishes are served in remembrance of The Last Supper.
During Lent, the Catholic Church prohibits eating red meat. That’s why dishes during this time include vegetables, cereals, and Andean plants common to the region. These include potatoes, corn, and squash. Some meals might include fish or shrimp.
There are also a variety of exquisite sweets. These include mazamorra, arroz con leche, peach and apple compotes, empanadas de semana santa, rosquitas, and suspiros. This is the day when Peru’s Holy Week concludes while eating and enjoying these local specialties.
Tip: Peruvians may consume red meat anew on Easter Sunday. And Chiriuchu is a tasty meal that features a variety of meats. It means “cold dish” in Quechua.
The meal includes beef, chicken, cuy (guinea pig), beef jerky, fish eggs, and various veggies like corn. A meal that you should try when visiting Cusco.
Holy Week in Arequipa
It is known for its closeness to the Colca Canyon. You should be aware that this region celebrates this festival vigorously due to its mixed-race identity and culture. From Palm Sunday till Easter Sunday, processions and crowds gather on the city’s streets. The candies and cakes will sweeten your palate as you remember Christ’s Passion and Death.
On that day, “La quema de Judas (burning of Judas effigy) The act involves the making of an enormous doll depicting the betraying apostle. Before being burnt, people read his will, and it contains allegations of authorities and politicians.
This vivid act can be seen best from Yanahuara Plaza de Armas, and it is followed by displays of fireworks that light up the entire city bringing the Holy Week celebrations to a fitting end. Don’t miss el Chupe de Camarones, a thick and spicy red soup, made of shrimp, or ocopa, a spicy and tasty sauce.
Holy Week in Lima
Residents from all regions of Lima and even the rest of the country gather in the capital. The procession called the Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) brings an effigy of the crucified Jesus. This artwork is one of the most venerated in Peru, and it has been said to possess miraculous powers. The procession begins at the Basilica of the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes and continues through the city center.
Limeños often attend “The Route of the Seven Churches” between Good Thursday and Good Friday. From Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, colorful and religious processions flood the streets of downtown Lima.
In addition to the processions, Holy Week in Lima offers a chance to appreciate the city’s cuisine and culture. Throughout Holy Week, restaurants often offer special menus with typical dishes. These include patarashca and sopa seca de Pescado (dry fish soup).
During Holy Week, Lima hosts an array of cultural and artistic events. For example, the National Symphony Orchestra performs a special concert of holy music in the Basilica of San Francisco. You’ll see several outdoor activities accessible to people who want to enjoy Holy Week in Lima in an active manner to appreciate nature and go trekking.
Holy Week in Ayacucho
Ayacucho is in the central Peruvian highlands and is widely regarded for hosting the greatest Semana Santa celebrations in the country. Every year, hundreds of people visit the city for this Catholic festival. The festival includes floral carpet exhibitions, firework displays, bull chases, and religious reenactments.
The 10 days leading up to Good Sunday show Ayacucho’s change from a city of religious processions to one of the exuberant parties. According to Ayacucho residents, Andean culture blends with Catholicism in an unusual and even mystical way. The city exudes color, enthusiasm, traditions, and folklore.
As you can see, Peru is transformed by Semana Santa. Religious excitement spreads across the country. Palm trees, candles, prayers, and processions honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
There is also a lot of color and sentiment. Are you intrigued about experiencing these traditions in person? Whether you are a believer or not, there is no denying that they are curious, aren’t they?
If you have any questions about traveling this week, please contact our team, they will be glad to assist you. Peru has so much to give that it might be difficult to determine where to begin, so Viagens Machu Picchu can help you make your dreams come true in the land of the Incas.