Semana santa
Holy Week
DESCRIPTION:
Held the week before Easter, this is Peru’s finest religious festival and attracts visitors from all over the country. Each succeeding day sees solemn yet colorful processions and Catholic religious rites. Ayacucho’s Semana Santa celebrations also include art shows, folk-dancing competitions, local music concerts, street events, sporting events (especially equestrian ones), agricultural fairs and the loving preparation of traditional meals.
Background:
Aside from Christmas, Easter is the most important festival in South America. The Spanish conquistadors brought Catholicism to Latin American, and in doing so, they took along their customs. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, usually starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. During these days, the population celebrates traditional Christian Easter festivities in combination with the unique traditions of the Andes. Anyone who visits Peru during this time of year can look forward to elaborate processions, jubilant celebrations and traditional dishes.
When to go:
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July 15-17th
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Where:
Ayacucho, a city in southern Peru, is especially well-known for its devoted celebrations of Semana Santa. The highlight of the festivities is Easter morning, when the Resurrected Christ is carried out of the main cathedral into the central square, which is filled with people bearing candles and tending bonfires from the night before.
It's an incredible experience to be in Peru during Semana Santa. However, you should bear in mind that these days are also a holiday for the local population; many will be traveling to tourist attractions or visiting their family in other cities. Hotels and domestic flights might be fully booked during this period.
Domingo de Ramos: April 5th
First, we start with Domingo de Ramos, or Palm Sunday. This is the final Sunday before Easter and the beginning of the Holy Week. This day is to commemorate Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem. The day is celebrated by many people going to mass with a cross made of palm leaves, and afterwards blessing the doors around town as a sign of protection.
Jueves Santo: April 9th
Then on Thursday is Jueves Santo, or Maundy Thursday. The church priests wash the feet of the twelve elders, the maundy, commemorating the time Jesus washed the feet of the twelve apostles. This is a day to remember the Last Supper and people in Peru gather together for a feast of twelve local and traditional dishes in honor of Jesus’ last meal. It is also said that if you visit seven churches on this day, you can make a wish.
Viernes Santo: April 10th
The following day is Viernes Santo, or Good Friday. This day is much quieter in celebration as many people are mourning the death of Christ. However, there are still processions in many cities throughout the country.
Sábado de Gloria: April 11th
Saturday is Sábado de Gloria, or the Holy Saturday where people commemorate the burial of Christ in his tomb. Many churches also hold a candlelight vigil on this night to mourn the death of Jesus.
Domingo de Resurrección: April 12th
Easter Sunday, or Domingo de Resurrección, is the biggest day of celebration beginning with fireworks displays, most of them beginning at dawn, and many parties and festivities happening all over the country. Food, dancing, and parades take place all across the country to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
