What are the customs and traditions of Holy Week? (Capture)

There Holy Week It is one of the most awaited times of the year by Peruvians, since in some sectors the days of this holiday are considered as public holidays. This is taken advantage of by workers who do not hesitate to perform tourism inside Perufind out more Customs and traditions on this single date.

It should be noted that there are customs that are reproduced in different cities of the country. The most common are the visit to churches and the Procession of Saints, among others.

In Peru, there are some traditions which are replicated throughout the territory. Some of them are:

Holy Week in Ayacucho.  (Andean)
Holy Week in Ayacucho. (Andean)

There visit the seven churches It is one of the most popular customs in Peru during Holy Week. Peruvians visit seven churches located in the city where they reside in order to ask for petitions and express their gratitude to God.

In the case of Lima, the tour ends at the Church of San Pedro, located in the Historic Center of Lima. This church is one of the most beautiful that exist in the Peruvian capital.

This is usually done during the day Holy Thursday, although many parishioners do it on day one or start on Wednesday.

The faithful continue to participate in the Holy Week procession of Ayacucho.  Photo: Andina/Carla Patino
The faithful continue to participate in the Holy Week procession of Ayacucho. Photo: Andina/Carla Patino

A classic that dates back thousands of years. Although it does not occur throughout the country, this Easter custom is present in several Peruvian cities, especially on the coast.

In the coastal zone, Peruvian families who celebrate the Holy Week, change their consumption habits. There meat is replaced by fish and this activity would have influences from what is written in the Bible. Red meat signifies the crucified body of Jesus and as a sign of respect, fish meat is chosen.

Peruvian anchovies are processed and exported into fishmeal and fish oil, marine ingredients that are the basis of aquaculture around the world, which should contribute to Peru's economic recovery.
Peruvian anchovies are processed and exported into fishmeal and fish oil, marine ingredients that are the basis of aquaculture around the world, which should contribute to Peru’s economic recovery.

Confession is a practice that has been neglected in the country; however, there are still places where it is practiced with great fervor. During Holy Week, people usually go to confession on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Once confessed, they are ready to experience the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ over the next few days.

Palm leaves are essential during this celebration of faith. Its use is given Palm Sundaysince it commemorates the entry of Jesus, the promised son into Jerusalem.

During this process, the parishioners hold the palms, waving them as a sign of joy and welcome to the son of God. These plants are blessed, to then be brought home and maintain the fervor.

Women and people with disabilities sent an ecological message regarding the use of the wax palm during Holy Week
Women and people with disabilities sent an ecological message regarding the use of the wax palm during Holy Week

Peruvian religious take out the image of Christ and accompany it in procession through the main square of the city. This is to remember his death and his passion. However, in Peru, the manner in which this parade of faith takes place varies.

For example, in Lima and Arequipa, the tradition is to accompany the anda with songs typical of the Catholic Church. In the case of Ayacucho, one of the cities with the greatest fervor, they perform the procession with lit candles. There picture of christ is accompanied by the Sorrowful Virgin. They start from different points and end up meeting in the main temple.

GIVEN: Ayacucho is the region with the highest number of tourists during Holy Week.

Procession of the Lord of the Resurrection during Holy Week in Ayacucho.  (Andean)
Procession of the Lord of the Resurrection during Holy Week in Ayacucho. (Andean)

He Way of the Cross of Christ is an adaptation of 15 stations in which the life of Jesus is prayed and commemorated as he is taken as prisoner until his resurrection.

In the country, representations of this whole moment are made. People make impeccable characterizations every year. In Lima, the Peruvian capital, this staging takes place on the banks of the Rímac, where a character has already caught the attention of Peruvians, the actor Mario Valencia, better known as ‘Christ Cholo’.

The 'Christ Cholo'.  (Photo by Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP)
The ‘Christ Cholo’. (Photo by Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP)

Categorized in:

Tagged in:

, , ,