Is a deeply religious and culturally significant event that commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated with great fervor and devotion throughout the city of Cusco, Peru, and is one of the most important religious observances in the country.
One of the most significant moments in the Peruvian calendar is Holy Week 2024, which takes on a special character when exploring Cusco and taking the opportunity to tour Machu Picchu, thus creating a memorable experience.
During Holy Week, celebration and devotion merge to offer unique events that are deeply rooted in the tradition of Cusco and various locations throughout Peru.
Each province showcases its distinctive way of commemorating these dates. Cusco, in particular, stands out for its processions dating back to the Spanish colonial era, which harmoniously integrate with its tourist attractions for the current year.
Is Holy Week celebrated in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Cusco is one of the most important religious centers in Peru. As part of the Spanish conquest, there was great effort to gain followers in every corner of Cusco.
That’s why, during the upcoming Holy Week 2024, we will find the churches of Cusco, such as the Cusco Cathedral, with their doors open to receive devotees who will enjoy the Holy Week.
There will be no shortage of processions and the fervor of the faithful who find in Holy Week a key moment to enjoy ancient traditions.
In addition to all the activities that take place in the city, we will have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu to enjoy one of the most important wonders of the world.
The most important procession in Cusco: The Lord of the Tremors.
Every Holy Week needs a main protagonist, someone who gathers the largest number of faithful to adorn the streets of Cusco, and that is the Lord of the Earthquakes.
Its procession takes place on Holy Monday. It is a crucified Christ with indigenous features, which sets it apart from the rest of the religious images in Peru.
The procession traverses the most popular streets of the city until it reaches the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
One of the most special moments of the procession occurs when the Lord of the Earthquakes blesses all the believers present in its ritual while being carried on the shoulders of the teams responsible for carrying the altar.
Palm Sunday
In Cusco , Palm Sunday is a special day to enjoy Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. It is the day when the faithful attend Mass very early to hear the liturgical psalm.
It is a day when you can visit the Cusco Cathedral, one of the most important churches in Peru and the most famous in the city.
The goal is to attend the Mass in Quechua, which starts at five in the morning, and then in the afternoon, listen to the word in the Gospel of San Mateo.
Holy Monday
Cusco The second day of Holy Week is a special date within the celebration, where thousands of Cusqueños gather in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, where the Archbishop offers the Communion Mass at the Cathedral.
It is during the second day, Holy Monday of Holy Week, that the procession of the Lord of the Tremors takes place, a unique tradition that attracts the attention of thousands of tourists around the world and cannot be missed on the list of things to do in Cusco.
Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday in Cusco, we will encounter the procession of the Holy Sacrament and the celebration of masses in all the churches of the city.
One of the most important traditions in Cusco during Holy Thursday is the washing of the feet of twelve beggars by the bishop.
Although for Holy Week 2024, the foot washing will be with twelve elderly individuals, and their traditional visit to the seven churches at night.
And if the city of Cusco doesn’t appeal to you to spend every day of Holy Week, you can take advantage of one of these days to visit Machu Picchu through its classic routes.
The most convenient option would be a one-day visit to Machu Picchu by train, so you can return in time and enjoy the rest of the days.
Holy Friday
Cusco also offers us a peculiar tradition for Holy Friday, an event in the province of Paucartambo, with its twelve dishes alluding to the twelve disciples of Christ.
It is customary to prepare soups with Andean ingredients, typical dishes of the region, made with tarwi, milk, cheese, and eggs.
Tarwi is an Andean legume that has been gaining worldwide recognition, and it is in Cusco where we can taste different typical dishes.
Due to the tradition of Holy Friday, red meats cannot be eaten; the goal is to practice abstinence, and soups are an important resource for sustenance and flavor without breaking faith.
The streets of Cusco are filled with options for typical dishes to avoid the temptation of eating meats on the main days of Holy Week.
Last day of Holy Week: Resurrection Sunday
The last day of Holy Week in Cusco begins at 7 am with the first morning mass where we listen to the homily for Resurrection Sunday.
It is considered the most important day for the Christian world because it commemorates the main miracle of their savior, the resurrection of Jesus.
In Cusco, the ceremony is enjoyed in all the churches of the city, and a procession is held with the image of Christ already resurrected.
A unique religious experience unlike anywhere else in Peru
The best way to enjoy Holy Week
Cusco has a lot to offer to all travelers who are looking for new experiences, especially during the classic Holy Week holidays.
The opportunity to enjoy religious celebrations and combine them with unforgettable adventures like Machu Picchu can only be experienced in Cusco.
Activity program for Holy Week in Cusco 2024
