One of the most important religious festivities in Cusco is Corpus Christi. During this celebration, 15 images—saints and virgins from various churches and parishes of the Imperial City—join together at Cusco Cathedral. The event draws visitors from around the world who come to witness this occasion filled with devotion, color, and tradition.
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Corpus Christi in Cusco: The Most Important Religious Celebration
This tradition is believed to have evolved during the Viceroyalty, as the Incas originally organized a similar ceremony in which mummies were carried through the city center as a prelude to the Inti Raymi festival.
Cusco’s Corpus Christi is one of the largest colonial religious manifestations, attracting thousands of worshippers with a vibrant display of folkloric dances, sacred music, and unique religious rituals that cannot be found anywhere else.
The images begin their journey early in the morning from different parts of Cusco. For example, San Jerónimo departs from his church in the district of the same name at 5:00 a.m., meeting with the image of San Sebastián around 7:00 a.m., and together they enter Cusco’s main square.
A similar encounter takes place between Santa Bárbara and Santa Ana in the Santa Ana neighborhood, from where they proceed to the Church of Santa Clara. Likewise, San Antonio meets San Cristóbal and they descend together to the Plaza de Armas.
Other saints such as Santiago, San Blas, Santa Bárbara, and San José also join the gathering, forming processions accompanied by music, dance groups, and representatives from Cusco’s neighborhoods and local authorities.
What is Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi, which in Latin means “Body of Christ,” is a Catholic celebration honoring the presence of Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. In Cusco, this celebration holds deep spiritual significance. It is observed nine weeks after Holy Thursday (Semana Santa), usually between May and June, and always on a Thursday. Many Cusqueños and visitors eagerly await this season to witness the grand procession, a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
The 15 Saints and Virgins of Corpus Christi in Cusco
One of the most meaningful moments of the festivity is when the 15 images are carried from their respective churches and parishes to Cusco Cathedral. These saints and virgins represent various Catholic devotions, each one venerated by the city’s neighborhoods and communities.
Here are the 15 saints and virgins that take part in this impressive procession:
Saint Antonio
Tradition holds that San Antonio is the first saint to arrive at the Church of Santa Clara, making him the first to lead the Corpus Christi procession in Cusco. For the entrance, he descends from the Parish of San Cristóbal.
Saint Jerónimo
Known as the Father of the Church, San Jerónimo translated the Bible into Latin, earning him the title “The Doctor.” His image departs from the church that bears his name in the district of San Jerónimo.
Saint Cristóbal
Known as “Powerful San Cristóbal,” legend has it that he helped people cross the great River Jordan. One day, a child asked him to carry him across. Halfway through, Cristóbal could no longer move. The child looked at him and said: “You are not only carrying me, but also the sins of the world.”
Saint Sebastián
He is the patron saint of the district that shares his name. Devotees carry his image barefoot and tied with a rope as a sign of penance. San Sebastián is also known to race with San Jerónimo to see who arrives first at the main square.
Santa Bárbara
This Virgin comes from the church in the district of Poroy and is considered the patroness of farmers. Her feast is celebrated after the potato harvest, at which time locals offer her the best potatoes as a symbol of gratitude, asking her to bless and multiply them.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana, mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. Her image reflects nobility, tenderness, and humility. During the procession, the Virgin Santa Ana carries the Virgin Mary in her arms. She comes from the neighborhood of Karmenqa.
Santiago Apóstol
He departs from the Church of Santiago and is considered a symbol of evangelization in Spain. In the Americas, he is known as “Santiago Mataindios,” and his image is associated with struggle and victory.
Saint Blas
He comes down from one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. He is the protector of artisans and, like all bishops, wears a miter, crosier, and cape. He is accompanied by six altar boys.
Saint Peter
This saint is one of Jesus’ apostles and his image represents power and authority in the Church. He comes from the Church of San Pedro.
Saint Joseph
He is the patron saint of married couples and carpenters. He was Mary’s husband and comes from the Church of Belén. Joseph and the Child Jesus usually wear beautiful crowns and carry silver staffs. The Child often receives toys as he represents the children of Cusco.
Virgin of the Nativity
Also known as “Our Lady of Almudena,” she is one of the most iconic representations of the Virgin Mary. During Corpus Christi, she departs from the Almudena Temple in procession. This image was sculpted by the renowned artist Tuyro Tupac under the guidance of Bishop Mollinedo y Angulo.
Virgin of the Remedies
Initially, she was not part of the procession, but in 1980, with the approval of Archbishop Vallejo Santoni and due to the devotion of the people, she was incorporated into this important event. For Corpus Christi, she departs from the Church of Santa Clara.
Purified Virgin
She carries a candle, which is why she is also known as the “Virgin of Candelaria.” She holds two baskets and the Child Jesus in one of her arms. Like Saint Peter, she comes from the church bearing her name, located just a few steps from the Church of Santa Clara.
Virgin of Bethlehem
Known as Mamacha Belén, among her jewels she carries a golden brooch called “Tupu,” which belonged to the daughter of Inca Sayri Túpac, as well as the emerald cross of Bishop Mollinedo. She is considered the patroness of Cusco and is highly venerated during the city’s religious festivities.
Virgin of the Immaculate Conception
Known as “La Linda” (The Beautiful One) due to the angelic features of her face, she belongs to the Cathedral and is said to welcome all the saints. She is the patroness of the bishop and the official hostess during Corpus Christi.
The Route and the Procession
The celebration of Corpus Christi in Cusco begins a week before the main day with the preparation of the saints and virgins in the churches of each district. Each image is adorned with jewels, luxurious garments, and flowers, and is accompanied by musical bands, traditional dancers, and processional groups.
The procession usually takes place on the Thursday following the feast of the Holy Trinity, starting early in the morning from each parish. The images make their way through the streets accompanied by their devotees until they reach the Main Square, where all the images gather together.
The Cathedral becomes the central point of the celebration. There, the images are brought in to participate in a solemn mass led by the ecclesiastical authorities and the bishop of Cusco. After the mass, the saints and virgins are arranged around the Main Square, marking the beginning of the grand procession. This spectacular display features large wooden platforms carried by dozens of faithful devotees. In many cases, those who carry the saints do so barefoot as an act of devotion. The processions are accompanied by traditional music bands playing solemn and cultural melodies.
