Corpus Christi in Cusco

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.