Holy Week in Cusco is an unparalleled experience, steeped in tradition and devotion, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the region's rich culture and religious traditions. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, the city transforms into a vibrant scene of fervor and devotion. Discover how Cusco celebrates Holy Week here.
Holy Week in Cusco is celebrated between the second half of March and the second week of April; the date is variable.
Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025 / Good Friday, April 18, 2025 / Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025
Holy Week is one of the most important events in the Christian world, commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in every corner of the Catholic world. In Cusco, this holiday takes on different expressions according to local traditions and customs.
How is it celebrated in Cusco?
Holy Week in Cusco is a period of religious and cultural festivity, generally celebrated between March and mid-April, although it often varies depending on the lunar calendar.
Palm Sunday
The festivity begins on "Palm Sunday." All devotees attend the city's various churches with crosses woven from palm fronds, which they have blessed at Mass. These crosses are placed in every home as a symbol of protection.
Date in 2025: April 13
Blessing of the Palms: Devotees carry olive branches and hand-woven palm fronds to be blessed at the main Mass, which is held at the Cusco Cathedral and in various parishes throughout the city.
Procession with the "Lord of Triumph": An image of Christ on a donkey parades through the streets, recalling the biblical passage.
Flower Carpets: The streets are adorned with ephemeral designs made of petals, creating a sacred path for processions.
Holy Monday
Holy Week in Cusco has Holy Monday as its central day. On this day, the patron saint of the city of Cusco, the Lord of the Earthquakes, is seen in procession. On this day, the Cusco population, who are devoted to the Lord of the Earthquakes, accompany the procession seeking his blessing.
Date in 2025: April 14
The Sworn Patron Saint of Cusco: A Legacy of Faith and Protection
Holy Monday in Cusco is not just any day. It is the time when the imperial city dresses in devotion to honor the "Taytacha of the Earthquakes," a venerated image of Christ Crucified that has been proclaimed the Sworn Patron Saint of Cusco.
History and Legend: The Protector against Earthquakes
Colonial Origin: The image of the Lord of Earthquakes arrived in Cusco in the 16th century, a gift from King Charles V of Spain.
The Miracle of the Earthquake: In 1650, a devastating earthquake shook Cusco. According to tradition, the image of Taytacha halted the destruction when it was taken out in procession, becoming the protector of the city from then on.
Proclamation as Sworn Patron: In 1741, the Cusco City Council officially declared him Patron Saint of the City, consolidating his religious and cultural importance.
The Holy Monday Procession: A Spectacle of Faith and Color
Every year, thousands of faithful and tourists gather in the streets of Cusco to witness one of the most moving processions in Peru.
The image of "Taytacha" is carried on a platform by devotees dressed in red capes, a color that symbolizes the passion of Christ, sacred authority, and reflects a syncretism between Andean tradition and the Catholic faith.
Shower of Ñukch'u: The faithful throw these red flowers as the image passes, creating a striking symbolic "path of blood."
Songs in Quechua and Spanish resonate through the cobblestone streets, blending Andean spirituality with Catholic tradition.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday is one of the most important days of Holy Week in Cusco. This day commemorates Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples.
On this day, Cusco families prepare the traditional 12 dishes. According to tradition, the 12 dishes represent the 12 apostles. Among the most common dishes are corn cream or corn lawa, mullet soup, shrimp soup, and rice with seafood. The most common desserts are Common dishes include fruit stew, usually peach or medlar, rice pudding, mazamorra (porridge), empanadas, corn cakes, and other traditional desserts.
At night, families often visit the streets of Cusco's historic center to visit the 7 churches. This alludes to the 7 falls Jesus suffered on his way to Mount Calvary.
Date in 2025: April 17
Holy Thursday in Cusco is not only a religious holiday, but an explosion of culture, spirituality, and ancient traditions that make the city an epicenter of fervor during Holy Week. From solemn processions to centuries-old rituals, every detail of this celebration reflects the profound faith of the people of Cusco.
Procession of the Holy Sacrament: Authorities and Community in Unity
In Cusco, Holy Thursday comes alive with the emblematic Procession of the Holy Sacrament, where the highest local authorities, such as the mayor and prefect, lead the procession as a sign of devotion and respect. This tradition, which blends the civil and religious, symbolizes the union between the people and their leaders in the Christian faith.
Meanwhile, all the city's churches open their doors to celebrate special masses, filling the streets with songs, incense, and prayers. Among the most visited churches are:
Hours: At dusk (between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.).
Key Places:
Cusco Cathedral (an icon of colonial architecture).
Church of the Society of Jesus (a jewel of Andean Baroque).
Church of San Francisco (a spiritual and historical treasure).
The Washing of the Feet: A Ceremony of Humility
One of the most moving traditions of Holy Thursday in Cusco is the washing of the feet, performed by the city's bishop. Inspired by Jesus' gesture toward his disciples, it was formerly performed with twelve beggars, but today it is performed with twelve elders, symbolizing service, humility, and love for one's neighbor.
This emotionally charged ritual takes place in Cusco Cathedral and attracts hundreds of faithful who seek to witness this act of purification and Christian solidarity.
Tour of the Seven Churches: A Nighttime Pilgrimage Filled with Mysticism
Cusco residents visit seven churches to represent Jesus' steps before his crucifixion. This tradition is deeply rooted in Holy Week on the night of Holy Thursday. Devotees tour the city's most important churches, meditating in each one on passages from the Passion of Christ.
These churches display the Altar of Sorrows, where scenes from the Passion are displayed with flowers, candles, and fabrics.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the day that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. In the city of Cusco, the Via Crucis is reenacted, starting from San Francisco Square and ending at the Papal Cross located in Saqsayhuaman. This event is organized by the Convent of San Francisco.
At the same time, the Hampi Rantikuy fair, where different types of medicinal plants are sold, takes place in San Francisco Square. Tradition holds that all plants collected during Holy Week are blessed.
Date in 2025: April 18 – A day of profound devotion in Cusco
Stations of the Cross in Saqsayhuamán
Thousands of pilgrims climb Sapantiana Hill to the Papal Cross, recreating Jesus' journey to Calvary.
After the 12-course lunch and a visit to the seven churches on Holy Thursday, the people of Cusco prepare for one of the most profound traditions: the nocturnal Stations of the Cross.
Sacred Dawn! Between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., thousands of faithful depart from:
San Francisco Temple (toward Sacsayhuamán).
La Almudena Church (towards Viva el Perú or Muyuc Orqo).
Ancient Franciscan Routes: The most traditional processions left from the La Recoleta and San Francisco churches, led by brotherhoods carrying enormous crosses and performing disciplines (a practice that required physical strength and devotion!).
Sacred Gastronomy: The 12 Dishes of Holy Week
After fasting and reflection, Cusco families gather around a table honoring the Last Supper with 12 traditional dishes (representing the apostles). A fusion of religious syncretism and Andean flavors!
Sacred Rules of the Table:
No red meat: Avoid it in respect for Lent (only fish, seafood, and vegetables).
Perfect balance: 3 soups + 4 main courses + 5 desserts (or variations depending on the family).
Holy Saturday in Cusco: Rebirth, Fire, and Celebration
Holy Saturday is a day of silence, hope, and preparation for Easter, celebrated on Sunday, the culminating moment of this festival, which represents Jesus' triumph over death and the beginning of a new life for his followers.
Dates in 2025: April 19
1. The Solemn Easter Vigil
Hours: Between 8:00 p.m. and midnight.
Key Places:
Cusco Cathedral (Plaza de Armas) – The sacred heart of Cusco devotion
Church of the Society of Jesus – Where Andean Baroque celebrates Easter joy
Church of San Francisco – Where history and faith weave an eternal legacy
Most emotional moment:
Blessing of the New Fire: A priest lights the "Paschal Candle," a symbol of the risen Christ, and from there the faithful light their candles, illuminating the night.
Glory to God: The bells, silent since Holy Thursday, ring out loudly announcing the Resurrection.
Easter Sunday
Holy Week comes to an end on Easter Sunday. The devout in Cusco attend Mass very early to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. On this day, the image of the Risen Jesus also takes part in a procession, accompanied by parishioners who show their joy.
Dates in 2025: April 20
Easter Sunday in Cusco is the most festive and luminous day of Holy Week. After the contemplation of the previous days, the city explodes with joy, music, and color to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, combining Catholic solemnity with ancient Andean traditions of renewal.
Easter Sunday Traditions in Cusco
1. Easter Mass at Dawn
Time: Between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. (symbolizing the moment when the women found the empty tomb).
Main Sites:
Cusco Cathedral (Plaza de Armas)
Church of the Society of Jesus
Santo Domingo (Koricancha)
Most Emotional Moment:
Proclamation of "Christ is Risen!" and jubilant ringing of bells.
Burning of incense and flowers in honor of renewed life.
2. Procession of the "Risen Lord"
Time: Approximately 10:00 a.m.
Route: The image of the Risen Christ leaves the Cathedral and parades through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by bands of musicians, dancers, and worshippers carrying flowers.
3. Popular Festivals and Fairs
Food Fair: Typical dishes such as roast suckling pig and traditional sweets are sold.
Music and Dance: In plazas such as San Francisco and San Pedro, folk groups celebrate with huaynos (traditional Andean folk music) and comparsas.
Paschal Banquet: Traditional Foods
After Lent, the people of Cusco enjoy a family feast.
Roasted suckling pig or lamb (meat prohibited on Good Friday).
Cusco tamales (stuffed with meat and spices).
Rosquillas (anise biscuits) and cakes (sweet breads blessed at Mass).
Easter Sunday in Cusco is an explosion of life, tradition, and community that you must experience at least once.
The perfect ending! Easter Sunday is celebrated with joyful Masses and family meals, bringing to a close a week filled with spirituality.
Experience the Greatest Festival of Faith in the Capital of the Incas!
