Corpus Christi 2007

May 5th, 2007

A Catholic celebration instituted in 1547 to commemorate the Holy Eucharist, Corpus Christi (body of Christ, in Latin) is one of the most concurred religious feasts in Cusco. The colourful parade takes place the eighth Sunday after Easter (this year, on June 7th), when the effigies of the saints and virgins are borrowed from Cusco’s churches for the occasion.

Traditionally, effigies coming from nine parishes participate in the procession. Eight of these are of “Indian” origin (parishes created in Cusco since the 16th century), and correspond to the Inca quarters of Chakilchaka, Qolqanpata, Qarmenqa, Toqokachi, Sañu, and Wama; the last one, of “Spanish” origin is known as Matriz, Triunfo o Sagrario.

The procession goes round the city until its final stop at the Plaza de Armas, where locals gather to celebrate the festivity and taste the traditional dishes prepared at the many food stalls. The festivity starts early in morning, but it’s from 6pm onwards that the best takes place.

Photo source: EMUFEC, Cusco’s Municipal Office for Festivities. By the way, the rainbow flag before the effigy isn’t a gay flag, but the flag of the Tawantinsuyo (Quechua name of the Inca empire).

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