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Have you ever wanted to experience a unique and colorful celebration that combines the rich Catholic tradition with the vibrant customs of the Andean peoples? Then get ready to immerse yourself in the celebration of Corpus Christi in Cusco, a religious festivity that blends tradition, faith, and culture into a unique experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Corpus Christi is a Christian religious festival celebrated in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, that is, the body and blood of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist. This celebration has its roots in the Catholic belief in transubstantiation, the process by which the consecrated bread and wine during Mass become the body and blood of Christ.
The history of Corpus Christi dates back to the 13th century in medieval Europe. This religious festival commemorates the Catholic belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, that is, in the consecrated bread and wine during Mass, which become the body and blood of Christ.
The traditional history of Corpus Christi dates back to the 13th century in medieval Europe, where the vision of a Belgian nun named Juliana of Cornillon is narrated. She claimed to have had a series of visions of the Virgin Mary urging her to promote a feast in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. After many years of struggle and efforts, Juliana managed to have the Bishop of Liège approve the celebration of Corpus Christi in her diocese.
However, the festivity of Corpus Christi became widely popular thanks to another Belgian, Pope Urban IV. In 1264, Urban IV, who had been a friend of Juliana of Cornillon, instituted the feast of Corpus Christi for the entire Catholic Church through the papal bull “Transiturus de hoc mundo”. This papal bull established that the feast of Corpus Christi would be celebrated on the Thursday after the eighth Sunday after Easter.
In the time of the Incas, numerous festivities were held in honor of ancestors and gods, the most outstanding being the festival dedicated to the god Inti (sun god). At that time, the mummies of the ancient rulers were carried in procession as part of the festivities. However, with the arrival of the Spaniards, this tradition was transformed to incorporate elements of the Catholic religion.
In the year 1572, it was decided to replace the procession of the mummies with the procession of saints and virgins, giving rise to the Corpus Christi Cusqueño, as it is known today. However, the festivity soon merged with indigenous traditions, giving rise to a unique celebration. Since then, this festivity has endured over the centuries.
In Cusco, this celebration takes on special significance due to the fusion of pre-Hispanic and Christian elements, which give rise to a unique cultural experience.
The date of Corpus Christi varies each year and is determined by the date of Maundy Thursday during Holy Week. From that day, 9 weeks are counted to calculate the exact date of Corpus Christi in Cusco. Therefore, the festivity will take place on Thursday, May 30 of the current year (2024).
One of the most distinctive features of Corpus Christi in Cusco is the impressive processions that traverse the city streets. The sacred images of the saints are carried on adorned platforms with flowers and candles, while the faithful follow them in a demonstration of their devotion. Folk dances and music bands accompany these processions, creating a festive and emotional atmosphere.
The Corpus entrance takes place on Wednesday (one day before the procession or the central day) with the departure of the Saints and Virgins from their respective churches or temples of origin. In each procession, the Mayors or the “Carguyoq” participate, and in some cases the mayor, as well as the faithful who choose to voluntarily accompany their saint. They are often accompanied by a band of musicians and typical dances of Cusco.
The saints head towards the Arch of Santa Clara and then to the Church of San Pedro, where the symbolic delivery of the keys of the cathedral by San Pedro to San Antonio takes place. Once the saints are gathered, the entrance procession to the cathedral located in the Plaza de Armas del Cusco begins, where they will remain for a full week until the octave.
On the central day, the Mass of Corpus Christi is celebrated for the various Saints and Virgins, and at 10:30 a.m. the Archbishop offers a Te-Deum Mass accompanied by the main ecclesiastical, civil, and military authorities, in the presence of the entire population, in the atrium of the Cathedral of Cusco. After this, the procession of the Silver Carriage begins, which holds the golden sun of the Custody, which represents the Blessed Sacrament.
After the mass, the procession of the Blessed Sacrament (Consecrated Host) begins in the Silver Carriage holding the golden sun of the Custody, which represents the Blessed Sacrament around the Plaza de Armas, where it is common to witness displays of deep fervor, such as chants in Quechua, offerings in flowers, Christian prayer.
Next, the procession of the 15 images of virgins and saints takes place, which traverse the main square, stopping at altars until returning to the cathedral, where they remain for a week until the octave of Corpus.
The saints and virgins, after remaining a week in the cathedral, go out in procession around the main square, this being the last day when the 15 saints are together in the cathedral since after the procession some of the saints and virgins return to their respective churches or temples, respectively.
The following day, Friday morning, the saints and virgins return to their respective churches and temples, sliding until the next year.
The procession of the 15 Saints and Virgins around the Plaza de Armas del Cusco is established in the following order:
Would you like to know more about the Saints and Virgins that participate in the Corpus Christi of Cusco? Click here to find out.
The traditional dish of this festival is Chiri Uchu, its name in Quechua meaning “cold chili” or “cold spicy”. This typical dish has origins dating back to the time of the Incas and the colony since it is said to have originated during the aynis (reciprocity workdays between members of a community).
This typical dish is a mixture of various ingredients such as baked guinea pig, cau cau (fish egg), boiled hen, jerky, cochayuyo (seaweed), chorizo, chalona, tullan (guinea pig intestine or gut filled with potato and blood), white corn cancha, cheese, sliced rocoto pepper, and the typical torreja. This torreja of spongy consistency is the combination of some ingredients such as corn, pumpkin, and a little chicken broth during the preparation so that it has a characteristic flavor at the time of serving.
If you are planning to visit Cusco during Corpus Christi, here are some tips and recommendations to make the most of this unique experience:
Corpus Christi in Cusco is much more than a religious celebration; it is a vibrant expression of the cultural and spiritual identity of the region. From the impressive processions to the devotion of the faithful, this festival offers an unforgettable experience that will immerse you in the rich history and traditions of Peru. So what are you waiting for? Join the celebration of Corpus Christi in Cusco and let yourself be captivated by its magic and beauty!
Image Credits: Reliquias CUSCO, Corpus Christi Cusqueño, Tradiciones Cusqueñas
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