Holy Week in Ayacucho

About the Festival

Celebrations begin on Sunday, which people call “Domingo de Ramos” (Palm Sunday), and end the next Sunday, “Domingo de Pascua” (Easter Sunday). During the first Sunday of Holy Week, people do a remembrance of the triumphal entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. Very early in the morning, donkeys and llamas, with herbs from the area, enter the city. Those herbs are burned during the next Sunday, Easter. During the following days, processions take over the city, and different masses are held in the numerous churches of the city. Tourists that arrive to Ayacucho during these days take this opportunity to visit “Pampas de la Quinua”, which is where the Ayacucho battle took place. This battle sealed the independence of Peru, as well as the victory that ensured independence for the rest of South America. Besides the history of the place, you can also enjoy the beauty of its scenery and do a hike to one of the waterfalls nearby.

On Wednesday, called “Miércoles de El Encuentro” takes place a1 completely different type of procession. This procession involves four different statues; Jesus of Nazareth, The Pain filled Virgin, Saint John and the Veronica. The streets on which the procession takes place are completely covered with ornamental flowers. At about 9 p.m. Jesus of Nazareth enters the main square. At a few meters distance he meets the Veronica, who bows and symbolically cleans Christ’s blood and sweat. The Veronica then goes to Saint John and tells him of her meeting with Jesus. They both then go and search for Mary (The Pain filled Virgin). Mary finally finds her son and “El Encuentro” takes place. On Thursday, people do their traditional visit to the 33 churches of the city. On Friday, the procession of the holy sepulcher leaves the Santo Domingo church, followed by the Virgin Mary. During this day the women wear black clothes as a sign of mourning. The light from the city is turned down and candles only light the city.

Saturday is the day in which “Morochucos”, riding on horses, climb the Acuchimay Mountain with people from Ayacucho. Also, this day some people and institutions buy the most robust bulls and take them to the city downtime. This is a festive of courage action. Young people demonstrate their strength by making live pyramids on the street and others face the bulls as they run trough a part of the city.

Finally on Sunday, all the people wake up with the ringing of the bells from all the churches in Ayacucho. After that they go to the Cathedral, carrying a huge image of Jesus brought back to life. This image is carried by more than 250 men. This is the most solemn and eagerly awaited procession. They go around the city, with many pilgrims, giving end to this special Holy Week.

We will customize a tour for you.

As the festival offers many interesting options, we would like to hear from you regarding the days in which you are most interested, and we will work with you on customizing your tour to fit your interests and budget. Remember that we focus on providing the best available options without compromising the quality of your tour. Just contact us with your questions and preferences, and we can create the best itinerary based on your expectations and requests.

Price

Upon request.

Price will depend on how much of the festival you want to take part in and if you want to add an extension. Please contact our agents to help you put together an itinerary for you.

If you prefer a suggested itinerary, please send us the following information and we send a response within 24 hours.

• Number of people in your party
• Level of accommodation (3,4,5*). Please see options
• Choosing a Private or Group Tour?
• Adding options: if you like to add other destinations, day tours, extra days, meals, etc
• Need domestic or international flights?
• Have a special request (i.e.: special diet, wheelchair, children, senior, etc.)