Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Cusco stands as one of the city’s most important religious and cultural events. Each year, the streets fill with a blend of devotion, processions, and Andean traditions. This celebration merges Catholic faith with local customs, creating a unique spectacle that locals and visitors eagerly anticipate.
Semana Santa kicks off with the blessing of palm branches at Cusco’s Cathedral. People carry palms and crosses, which they later keep at home for blessings.
The Lord of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores) procession is the highlight of Holy Monday. The image of Christ, believed to protect the city, is carried through the streets, surrounded by people offering prayers and throwing ñucchu flowers in honor of the Lord.
On Holy Thursday, locals take part in the Visit to the Seven Churches, an evening pilgrimage to seven key churches in the city. The faithful also prepare a 12-dish meal that adheres to Catholic fasting traditions.
Good Friday features the Via Crucis procession at Sacsayhuamán, where people reenact Christ’s journey to the cross. During the same time, the Hampi Rantikuy (Medicinal Plants Fair) takes place, offering a glimpse into Andean medicine.
Easter Sunday marks the end of Semana Santa with morning masses and, in some areas, processions celebrating Christ’s resurrection.
The Lord of the Earthquakes image holds immense significance in Cusco. Venerated since colonial times, it’s considered the city’s protector. On Holy Monday, the image is paraded through the Plaza de Armas, and ñucchu flowers are scattered by the crowd, symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice.
During Semana Santa, Cusco’s cuisine follows Catholic fasting traditions. Dishes are prepared without meat and feature a variety of regional ingredients. Some popular dishes include:
🍲 Chupe de camarones – A thick shrimp soup with eggs and milk.
🌿 Lawa de maíz – A creamy dish made with corn and Andean herbs.
🥟 Cusco empanadas – Sweet pastries filled with cheese and sprinkled with sugar.
🍑 Mazamorra de durazno – A dessert made with dried peaches.
🍚 Arroz con leche – A rice dessert with cinnamon and raisins.
These dishes reflect the spiritual practices of the week, combining Andean flavors with Catholic traditions.
Cusco’s Semana Santa celebrations feature many Andean customs that make this event unique:
🕯️ Ñucchu flowers: These red flowers are part of the Lord of the Earthquakes’ procession and hold deep significance in Andean ceremonies.
⛰️ Wooden crosses: Some locals carry hand-carved crosses to hills, offering a spiritual tribute.
🌱 Hampi Rantikuy: This Medicinal Plants Fair showcases the role of plants in Andean culture.
These traditions highlight the cultural blending of Catholicism and indigenous practices.
Semana Santa in Cusco is more than just a religious celebration. It’s a unique fusion of history, faith, and cultural expression. Throughout the week, Cusco’s streets, churches, and markets come alive with devotion and tradition. The event showcases the region’s deep-rooted customs, offering both locals and visitors an unforgettable experience of Andean and Catholic culture.