Table of Content
The Lord of the Earthquakes invites you to experience one of the most profound and emotional religious experiences in Cusco, where you will witness a tradition that has protected the imperial city for over 370 years.
When you can experience it
The festival of the Lord of the Earthquakes is celebrated every Holy Monday, marking the beginning of Holy Week in Cusco. This date becomes the most anticipated central day for the faithful, where the dark-skinned Christ goes out in procession to bless the people of Cusco.
The story you will witness
The founding miracle: In the afternoon of May 31, 1650, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Cusco, toppling houses and religious temples. Amid the panic and chaos, the entire population joined together carrying the image of Christ in procession, and surprisingly, the tremors stopped. From that moment on, the image was named “Lord of the Earthquakes” and became the protective patron of the city.
Your connection to centuries of faith: The image is characterized by its dark color, Andean features, and natural hair. The devotees affectionately call it “Taytacha,” and you will be part of this human chain of devotion that dates back to the colonial period.
The experience you will have
Your participation in the procession: During the route, you will witness how the balconies are adorned with flowers and mantles, while thousands of people offer prayers, songs, and branches of ñucchu, an intense red Andean flower that symbolizes the blood of the crucified Christ. You can join in by throwing petals of this sacred flower at Taytacha.
The peak moment: As night falls, around 7 p.m., the Main Square transforms into the spiritual heart of the city. Thousands of people gather to receive the blessing of the Lord, creating one of the most moving moments you can experience in Cusco.
The voices you will hear: The singers of Taytacha, known as “Chayñas of Cusco,” are women who sing during and after the procession. You will hear their high and delicate voices chanting in Quechua, with a fervor and magic unique to the Andean region of Cusco.
The route you will follow
The Lord of the Earthquakes begins its route from the Main Square, departing from the Cathedral Basilica and continuing through the main streets of the historic center. During the procession, Taytacha performs two blessings: the first in San Francisco Square, where it rests in the Church of La Merced, and then returns to the Main Square to give its main blessing to the four cardinal points.
The sacred elements you will learn about
The ñucchu flower: This intense red flower is native to the Quechua region and blooms only during Holy Week, especially on Holy Monday. You will be able to collect and offer these flowers during the ceremony, participating in an ancient tradition.
Cultural syncretism: You will experience the fascinating fusion between ancestral Andean traditions and Catholic faith. The very Cathedral where the image rests is built on the ancient temple dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha, and the procession evokes the ancient Inca ceremonies where the mummies of rulers were carried.
Tips for your experience
- Arrive early to find a good spot in the Main Square
- Dress respectfully, considering it is a religious ceremony
- Bring ñucchu flowers to participate in the tradition
- Stay until the night blessing to experience the most emotional moment
- Be prepared to be part of a crowd of approximately 250,000 people
At the festival of the Lord of the Earthquakes, you will not only be a spectator but an active participant in a living tradition that has united generations of Cusqueños in moments of faith, hope, and divine protection. This experience will deeply connect you with the spiritual soul of Cusco and the unwavering devotion of its people.
