Virgen of Chapi celebration in Arequipa

Each year between April 29 and May 2 - with the central day being May 1 - Arequipa celebrates its patron saint, the Virgin of Chapi with the largest religious festivity in the area. About 250,000 worshippers from across the country and abroad make a pilgrimage to her sanctuary at that time either walking for 15 hours or more through the night, joining later or arriving by car or bus.

The Sanctuary of the Virgin de Chapi, which houses one of the most important images of the Virgin Mary in Peru, is located about 60 km (37 miles) south of Arequipa in the desert on a hill 2,420 m (nearly 8,000 feet) above sea level.