Pre-Inca traditions and beliefs mingle with Catholic worship in this popular celebration based on a miracle. In 1650, an oil painting of Christ on the cross is believed to have overcome the terrible destructive power of an earthquake. Since that date, the indigenous local people have paid homage to the image of ‘Taitacha Temblores’, a mixed Quechua and Spanish title meaning Lord of the Earthquakes. Coming at the end of Semana Santa on Easter Monday, this is a colorful event which takes place partly in Cusco Cathedral, built on the site of the Inca creator-god, Viracocha. Here, the smoke-blackened image is kept, to be paraded through the streets wearing a crimson crown of flowers.
Event Frequency:
Annual.
Event Date:
April 25, 2012
Cost:
Free.
