See our rooms
REVIEWED ON:
Close
The Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority is a unique celebration that takes place in the Peruvian Andes, near the city of Cusco. This festival, which combines elements of the Catholic religion with indigenous traditions, is a vibrant showcase of the cultural richness of the region. Get ready to immerse yourself in a fascinating cultural experience that will leave you amazed.
The Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority (Lord of the Shining Snow) is one of the most important and colorful celebrations in the Cusco region, located in the majestic Peruvian Andes. This festival pays tribute to the image of the crucified Christ engraved on a stone at the foot of Mount Qolkepunku in the province of Quispicanchi in the department of Cusco.
The Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority is celebrated every year in May or June, although the exact date varies due to the Andean calendar. The festival begins 58 days after Easter Sunday, a few days before Corpus Christi in Cusco. It is worth mentioning that this year the celebration will be on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
For several days, thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country gather at the Sanctuary of Qoyllority, located over 4,000 meters above sea level, to participate in the celebrations.
The festival has its roots from the Inca era, as it was a customary artistic manifestation. Before the arrival of the Spaniards, it was a ritual for the Ausangate mountain or Apu Ausangate because at that time of year the mountain or Apu was covered in snow and the sky was clear, allowing the constellations to reflect on the snow, and thus the Incas had contact with their gods.
According to the traditions of the people, in the year 1780, Marianito Mayta was grazing his cattle one afternoon when he had an encounter with a boy named Manuel, who was of white skin and his same age. Mariano and Manuel began to see each other more often, and as the days passed while they were herding, Mariano’s cattle gradually increased.
Mariano told his father about his friend Manuel, who helped him herd and provided him with bread every day. One day, Manuel appeared with his robe torn and without another to change into. He gave Mariano a piece of fabric so that he could get a new one. Finding fabric with the same texture was difficult, so Mariano decided to go to the priest of the town, as they were fabrics that only the bishop wore. The priest, suspecting why Manuel wore such fabrics, decided to look for him.
Realizing this, Mariano told Manuel to flee. The priest tried to catch him, but as he approached, the boy transformed into the image of the crucified Christ, embedded in a rock. It is said that Marianito, upon witnessing such a scene, suffered a heart attack and died minutes later. He was buried in the same place, and a wooden cross was placed on his grave.
It is worth noting that, since then, the cultural mixture between the Andean and the Spanish is deeply rooted in the veneration of Jesus Christ and also the mountains or Apus, as well as the fertility of Mother Earth or Pachamama.
The Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority is a celebration that combines elements of the Catholic religion with ancient Andean traditions. For several days, pilgrims undertake a long walk from the town of Mahuayani to the sanctuary located on the mountain of Qoyllority, where the sacred image is located.
The ritual, associated with the fertility of the land and the worship of the Apus (mountains, tutelary gods), is part of one of the largest indigenous festivals in America. The main ceremony takes place at the foot of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the ritual consists of a pilgrimage of shepherds, merchants, and curious people who gather at the Sinakara sanctuary in the town of Mawayany, at 4600 meters above sea level.
The pilgrimage is a fundamental part of this celebration. Farmers and devotees undertake a walk of approximately 3 to 5 hours, which starts out calm and moderate and gradually becomes challenging.
The people involved generally come from small towns in Quispicanchis and Paucartambo and small groups of colorful dancers and the famous ukukus, men dressed as bears who descend from the mountain to honor the Lord of Qoyllority, and pabluchas, the Pabluchas are the intermediaries between the Lord of Qoyllority and men, they also add a humorous touch to the festival.
Hiking will never be boring as the dances and troupes make it an entertaining and fascinating journey.
When they arrive at the sanctuary, the devotees generally bring a memento to be blessed by the Lord of Qoyllority, and it is said that if a person goes three consecutive years blessing a memento, a wish will be granted to them. It is an experience of deep spiritual connection and a demonstration of unwavering faith.
Another highlight of the festival is the colorful dances and traditional music that accompany the pilgrims during their journey. Groups of dancers dressed in traditional costumes dance to the rhythm of the music, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere amidst the mountains. The following are the main dances:
The Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration that highlights the richness and diversity of the Cusco region. It attracts tourists from all over the world who want to witness this unique experience and learn about local traditions.
This festival plays an important role in preserving Andean culture and in the transmission of knowledge and values from generation to generation. It contributes to strengthening the sense of identity and pride among local communities and keeping alive the cultural heritage of the place.
If you plan to attend the Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority, it is important to consider some practical aspects. Here are some useful tips to make the most of this experience:
With these tips in mind, you are ready to immerse yourself in the wonderful experience of the Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority in Cusco.
The Feast of the Lord of Qoyllority is a unique religious and cultural tradition that represents the deep devotion and rich heritage of the Andean communities of Cusco. Through its rituals, traditions, and celebrations, this festival continues to be a symbol of identity and unity for the people living in the heights of the Peruvian Andes. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting celebration and discover the cultural richness of the Peruvian Andes!
Dive into the city’s vibrant energy during the day and return to the calm and comfort of our hotel as night falls. Your home away from home awaits you with open arms.
Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash, either in US dollars or the Peruvian currency, soles. Likewise, we have bank accounts in both currencies, American dollars and Peruvian soles.
All rights reserved – Cusco Lodge Hotel Boutique 2024
