Holy Week in Cusco is one of the most deeply felt religious celebrations in Peru. For seven days, the city brings together large religious processions, traditions inherited from the colonial era, and special dishes prepared only during this time of year. If you’re traveling to Cusco in March 2027, here are the dates, what happens each day, and some tips to help you enjoy the celebrations at your own pace.
Holy Week Dates in Cusco 2027
In 2027, Holy Week falls early, in late March. These are the main dates:
| Day | Date | Celebration |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | March 21 | Blessing of palms and branches |
| Holy Monday | March 22 | Procession of the Lord of the Earthquakes |
| Holy Thursday | March 25 | Visit to the seven churches (public holiday) |
| Good Friday | March 26 | The 12 traditional dishes and Holy Sepulchre procession (public holiday) |
| Easter Sunday | March 28 | Masses and Easter celebrations |
Holy Thursday and Good Friday are national public holidays, so many travelers from other cities across Peru visit Cusco during this period. Keep this in mind when booking your hotel, train tickets, and entrance tickets.
Palm Sunday: The Beginning of Holy Week
Holy Week begins with the blessing of palm branches in churches throughout the city. Early in the morning, around the Plaza de Armas and the main churches, vendors sell crosses and figures woven from palm leaves, along with olive branches. Many families bring them to Mass to be blessed and then keep them at home throughout the year as a form of protection.
Holy Monday: The Lord of the Earthquakes
This is the most important day of Holy Week in Cusco. The Lord of the Earthquakes, affectionately known as Taytacha Temblores, is a dark-skinned image of the crucified Christ venerated in Cusco Cathedral. According to tradition, after the devastating earthquake of 1650, the image was carried through the streets in a procession, and the tremors stopped. Since then, it has been considered the patron saint of the city.
In the afternoon, the image leaves the Cathedral and travels through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by thousands of worshippers, musical bands, and local authorities. As it passes, devotees throw ñucchu petals, a red flower native to the Andes, covering the image of Christ and the streets. As night falls, the Lord of the Earthquakes returns to the Plaza de Armas, where he blesses the city before returning to the Cathedral.
If you’d like to see the image without rushing and learn about the history of the Cathedral, Qorikancha, and the churches in the historic center, our Cusco City Tour is a great way to explore these sites with a guide before or after the procession.
Tips for Watching the Procession
- Arrive early: the Plaza de Armas fills up several hours before the procession begins.
- Find a balcony: some restaurants and cafes along the arcades offer excellent views. Make a reservation in advance.
- Keep your belongings safe: bring only what you need and keep your phone and wallet in a secure place.
- Respect the occasion: this is a religious celebration, so avoid using flash photography and don’t cross the procession route.
Holy Thursday: Visiting the Seven Churches
On Holy Thursday, Cusco residents and visitors walk through the historic center, visiting seven churches to pray at each one. It’s a different way to discover the city’s religious architecture, with churches such as the Cathedral, La Compañía de Jesús, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, La Merced, San Blas, and Santa Clara. In the evening, many churches remain open and are decorated with flowers and candles.
Good Friday: The 12 Traditional Dishes
Good Friday is a day of reflection and, at the same time, an occasion for one of Cusco’s most cherished culinary traditions: the 12 traditional dishes. In remembrance of the twelve apostles, families prepare twelve dishes without red meat, which are shared at midday.
The menu varies from household to household, but it usually includes soups, fish such as trout or cod, vegetable omelets, dishes made with chuño and tarwi, and desserts such as rice pudding and mazamorra. Some restaurants in the city offer their own versions, making it a great opportunity to try several traditional dishes in a single meal.
On this same day, according to popular belief, medicinal herbs have special healing powers, and some markets sell plants used for herbal teas and home remedies. In the evening, the Holy Sepulchre procession takes place, a quieter and more solemn event than the procession on Holy Monday.
Easter Sunday
Holy Week ends with Easter Masses in churches throughout the city and a more festive atmosphere. It’s a good day to explore the traditional neighborhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal or take an excursion outside the city.
Weather in Cusco During Holy Week
By late March, the rainy season in Cusco is coming to an end. Mornings are usually sunny, and when it rains, showers typically arrive in the afternoon and don’t last long. Nights are cold, so bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets. Remember that the city is located at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. Take it easy on your first day to allow your body to acclimate to the altitude.
Take Advantage of the Holiday to Visit Machu Picchu
Many travelers combine the Holy Week celebrations with a visit to Machu Picchu. The best option is to go between Tuesday and Wednesday, after the Lord of the Earthquakes procession, so you can be back in Cusco by Good Friday. Because of the holiday, entrance tickets and train tickets sell out quickly, so make your reservations several weeks in advance.
If you only have a few days, the classic Machu Picchu train tour allows you to visit the citadel in a single day, with transportation, entrance tickets, and a guide included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Week in Cusco
When Is the Lord of the Earthquakes Procession in 2027?
On Holy Monday, March 22, 2027. The image leaves the Cathedral in the afternoon and returns in the evening after blessing the city from the Plaza de Armas.
What Are the 12 Traditional Dishes of Holy Week?
It’s a Good Friday tradition in Cusco consisting of twelve dishes prepared without red meat in remembrance of the twelve apostles. These include soups, fish, vegetable stews, and desserts.
Are Tourist Attractions Open During Holy Week?
Yes. Machu Picchu and the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley operate as usual. Some churches may adjust their sightseeing hours due to religious celebrations.
How Far in Advance Should I Book?
Since Holy Week is a long holiday weekend, it’s best to book your hotel, train tickets, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets at least one or two months in advance.
Can Tourists Participate in the Processions?
Yes, the processions are open to everyone. We simply ask that you participate respectfully, as these celebrations are deeply important expressions of faith for the people of Cusco.
