HOLY WEEK IN PERU

Peru is well known for its catholic fervor and its festivities and the Holy Week is one of its most important holidays.

---

During the 16th century, the Spaniards brought Catholicism and religious traditions to Peru. Until today, Peru is still a very Catholic country, next to other religions and cults. There are numerous Catholic festivities throughout the year that are celebrated feverishly. Among them is Semana Santa, or “Holy Week”, which usually starts with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday or Easter Monday. This week counts as one of the most important festivities in Peru. They include festive processions, jubilant celebrations, and plenty of traditional dishes.

Easter traditions in Peru

While you’d be hard pressed to find an easter egg hunt in Peru, there are many distinct traditions. Here are some easter traditions recognized throughout Peru:

• Semana Santa. While in many countries Easter is primarily celebrated on Easter Sunday, in Peru the entire week leading up to it is a festive celebration. Holy Thursday and Friday are national holidays so students and workers can have a rest from work and spend time with loved ones.

• Seven Churches. On Holy Thursday, a procession leads groups through seven churches to represent the stations of the cross.

• Washing feet. Also on Holy Thursday, Priests in many cities and communities will wash the feet of 12 elderly people. This represents Jesus washing the feet of the 12 apostles.

• No red meat. Red meat is prohibited through Semana Santa until the feast on Easter Sunday.

• Holy Saturday parties. After a bleak week of remembering the crucifixion of Jesus, Holy Saturday takes a celebratory turn as parties start to break out to honor the resurrection. It is typical for there to be parties and street festivals through the night on Holy Saturday in some areas.

• Easter chocolates. While in most rural areas you won’t find this, in the coastal capital city of Lima, many traditions from the U.S. have trickled in, like Easter chocolate, and perhaps a Easter egg hunt for kids in some Lima households.

Semana Santa food

You might be wondering what is the typical food served throughout Semana Santa and what’s on the menu for Easter dinner. Here are some traditional meals you’ll find on just about every family table during the holy week:

• The Feast of 12 Dishes. The feast of 12 dishes is to honor Jesus’ last supper, traditionally on Holy Thursday. While there is no particular set menu for the 12 dishes, it typically includes 6 savory and 6 sweet.

• Fish. Since red meat is not permitted, fish consumption spikes during this week. Favorites like ceviche, along with comfort foods like fried fish are enjoyed in abundance.

• Chupe de Viernes. This is the traditional, savory stew enjoyed on Good Friday. It consists of a root vegetable called ollucos, plus crayfish and a variety of veggies.

• Chiriuchu. On Easter Sunday, Peruvians break the red meat fast with the very meat-heavy Chiriuchu meal. This plate consists of a variety of meats, cuy (guinea pig), meat jerky, fish eggs, and corn.