Corpus Christi - June (variable)

Semana Santa or Easter week is celebrated all over Peru, but is perhaps at its most impressive in Cusco. Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and ends on Easter Sunday, the day of the resurrection. As well as the Catholic traditions of following the week’s events with gospel readings and prayer there are parades, decorations and displays of local textiles. Perhaps the most striking of all the parades is the procession of the Señor de los Temblores on Good Friday. Along the way people throw petals from balconies adorned with golden fringes. The figure usually resides in the cathedral and is striking in its portrayal of pain and suffering. The figure was a gift from Spain and was placed at an altar. Over time the smoke from the candles and incense over time made the figure black an nobody cleaned it. When in 1650 a devastating earthquake hit Cusco it was decided to take the image out in a procession. Legend has it that this stopped the earthquake the procession of the Señor de los Temblores has taken place ever since.