Easter before the pandemic: this is how Peruvians celebrated throughout the country

'Holy Week' is one of the most celebrated dates in Peru and there are three main ways to celebrate them. Obviously we will show you how it was celebrated before the pandemic, since with the appearance of COVID-19 restrictive measures caused the celebrations to be canceled.

ORIGIN OF HOLY WEEK

To understand more about the subject, it is necessary to know the origin of this celebration and in the case of Peru it takes place in colonial times, with the arrival of the Spaniards in search of their conquest in countries of America. It begins on Palm Sunday, which is commemorative of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

In various provinces of Peru, this religious custom was adopted to the point of being the main week of each place. In some places there is even a tour of the countless local Catholic churches.

In normal times such as 2019, Easter was going to move around 180 million dollars in the country's tourism sector. The cities with the greatest tourist flow are undoubtedly Ayacucho, Cusco, Arequipa and Chiclayo, which are renowned for their Catholic celebrations, tourism, and night parties.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE HOLY WEEK

Celebration of Faith:

As we mentioned, there are 3 ways in which Peruvians have celebrated Holy Week. The first and of course the most important is the one that revives the Catholic and religious faith in people.

These usually begin on Palm Sunday, where flowers and palms are blessed. On Wednesday of Holy Week, people will venerate the image of the walk with lit candles.

On Holy Thursday people should visit the temples of the city. In the case of Ayacucho, it is known that the total number of temples to visit is 33.

On Good Friday, a large procession takes place where a large glass coffin with the image of Christ is observed, on a bed of white roses, walks the streets, followed by its parishioners.

It is definitely a week full of faith and ends on Easter Sunday. In the case of Ayacucho, an image of the Risen Christ is taken, which is carried by no less than 250 men.

Tourism Celebration:

This date is taken by many people as the perfect time to travel and learn more about Peru. In the case of the public sector, prior to the pandemic, compensable days of rest were given some of the days of S. Holy Week in order to promote tourism. In that week there are many promotions and travel packages +stay+tours, all in order to be able to travel to the interior of the country. This year tourism will be reactivated and will end up having a positive impact on the Peruvian economy.

Evening Party and Celebration:

In recent years, the celebration of Holy Week has also become an evening celebration for the youngest. During 2019, there were many places and great public attendance at Easter themed discos throughout the country and with a greater presence in Lima.

For example, in the case of Ayacucho, apart from people who travel to revive their faith, there are also those who travel for the purpose of sightseeing and having fun at night.

In the years prior to the pandemic, the private tourism sector began to promote the so-called “Pascua Toro”, which aimed to release bulls in the middle of the square, run and hide. Alcoholic beverages are part of the celebration.

Human towers were also held as part of a competition and the presentation of scissor dancers.

KEEP READING