Write a comment
Corpus Christi in Cusco - Peru

Corpus Christi in Cusco

May / June - 9 weeks after Easter

Around the globe 9 weeks after Easter the Christian community celebrates Corpus Christi, so the Eucharist being the actual presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. While this religious festival is celebrated throughout the country, the most enthusiastic and spectacular celebration is in Cusco.

Being one of the most important religious happenings of the year in Cusco, the Corpus Christi celebration is a colorful and traditional affair with folkloric dance groups and music bands.

Already shortly before the actual Corpus Christi day, statues of 10 saints and 5 virgins are taken out of their respective church and carried in colorful processions on thrones and litters to Cusco’s cathedral on the main square where they remain for a week.

Traditionally on the eve of the main Corpus Christi celebration day 12 different local dishes are prepared including the famous ‘Chiriuchu’, a spicy dish with guinea pig served cold.

On the principal day of the celebration at around 11.00 am the saints and virgins leave the cathedral of Cusco one by one and accompanied by local music, dancers, faithful and onlookers are paraded through the city center. Expect the area around Cusco’s main plaza to be packed with locals and tourists watching or taking part in the celebration.

After the procession they return to Cusco’s cathedral, where they usually stay for seven days before being returned to their church in another procession.

The festivities are accompanied by typical food and drink, colorful costumes, dance and music.

Map

Swap Start/End
Say something here...
characters left
or post as a guest
All comments MUST be in English and will be moderated before publishing.
They will appear below within 24 hours.
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.

Be the first to comment.

Peru Newsflash

Peru Event Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Latest Content...

Latest Video

Maria Reiche - Memories

Maria Reiche - Memories

Submitted by: Tintin
05 December 2021

Long Reads...

  • Peruvian Archaeology

    The Mystery of the Nazca Lines in Peru

    In the 1920s, when people first flew across southern Peru, they made an astonishing discovery. Stretching below them,…
  • Peruvian Personalities & Founders

    Francisco Pizarro González (1474-1541)

    Francisco Pizarro, a peasant from Spain, was one of the least well-equipped conquerors in history. However, in the name…
  • Peruvian Archaeology

    The colorful Fabrics and Textiles of Peru

    Europe’s first knowledge of Peruvian textiles was acquired following the Spanish invasion of Peru in 1532, when the…
  • Peruvian Legends, Myths & Tales

    The Jeweled Frog and the Condor

    By a quiet pond, at the side of a cloud-topped mountain in Peru, lived a small green frog and his large green family.…
  • Peru Info

    Peruvian Economy

    The Peruvian economy is an emerging, social market economy highly dependent on foreign trade and classified as an upper…