The Feast of the Cross is a unique celebration that blends Christian devotion with ancestral Andean traditions. Every year, this festivity comes to life in various communities of Cusco, where crosses are carefully adorned and venerated in ceremonies full of color, music, and tradition. More than just a celebration, this date symbolizes the deep faith of the people, as well as their unwavering connection to the land and their cultural roots.
The Feast of the Cross in Cusco: A Tradition of Faith and Culture
Each year, Cusqueñan communities come together to celebrate the Feast of the Cross. The crosses, symbols of protection and faith, are decorated with flowers, fabrics, and other ornaments. The celebration includes processions, music, dancing, and rituals that strengthen the region’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Origin and History of the Feast of the Cross
The Feast of the Cross dates back to the early 18th century. After the 1950 earthquake, the celebration gained popularity in urban areas due to the migration of rural communities who brought with them their customs and traditions that reinforce cultural and spiritual identity. Thus, this celebration became a powerful display of the fusion between Catholic beliefs and indigenous practices, particularly those related to the worship of nature and protective spirits.
When is the Feast of the Cross Celebrated in Cusco?
The Feast of the Cross is celebrated annually on May 2 and 3 in Cusco and the surrounding areas. It is a special date where faith and culture intertwine in a deeply meaningful festivity.
Traditions and Customs of the Feast of the Cross
The celebration begins with the “descent” of the crosses from hills or sanctuaries to the homes of the stewards, known as “carguyoq.” At night, a vigil is held in honor of the cross, accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and fireworks. On May 3, the crosses are taken in procession to the local church for a solemn mass. After the ceremony, the community gathers to share food and drinks. The festivities continue with various activities that strengthen communal bonds and help preserve their traditions.
Cruz Velacuy: The Vigil of the Cross
“Cruz Velacuy” is an ancestral tradition that marks the beginning of one of Cusco’s most meaningful celebrations. During this emotional vigil, the crosses are carefully adorned with flowers, candles, and colorful fabrics, giving them a radiant glow that reflects the devotion of the people.
Throughout the night, the community gathers around the cross to sing, dance, and pay tribute, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration that lasts until dawn. More than just a custom, this practice symbolizes the union between the divine and the earthly, and it stands as a powerful expression of the deep spirituality of the people of Cusco.
Processions and Ascending the Hills
One of the most notable activities of the Feast of the Cross is the procession of the crosses. After being brought down from the hills or sanctuaries, the crosses are carried through the streets accompanied by music and dance. In some communities, the crosses are taken back to their original places on the hilltops in a symbolic walk that represents a return to the sacred and a reconnection with nature.
Traditional Music and Dance
Music and dance are essential elements of the Feast of the Cross. Below are some of the traditional dances performed during the celebration:
| DANCE | DESCRIPTION |
| Huayno | A musical genre that combines joyful melodies with lyrics reflecting everyday life and the emotions of the people. |
| Saya | An elegant dance representing courtship between a man and a woman, featuring handkerchiefs and graceful movements. |
| Qhapaq Qolla | A traditional dance of men dressed in vibrant costumes, evoking Inca warriors. It is a thrilling moment during Cruz Velacuy. |
| Carnaval Cusqueño | A festive dance performed during Carnival, with colorful costumes and vibrant music that invites the community to join in the celebration. |
Top Places to Celebrate the Feast of the Cross in Cusco
| PLACE | DESCRIPTION |
| San Sebastián District | Known for its colorful processions and traditional dances that fill the streets with joy and devotion. |
| San Jerónimo District | Stands out for the strong community participation in religious ceremonies and popular festivities. |
| San Blas District | Famous for its artists and artisans, this neighborhood offers a unique celebration that combines art, culture, and tradition. |
| Town of Chinchero | Located in the Sacred Valley, Chinchero celebrates the Feast of the Cross with ancestral rituals and breathtaking panoramic views. |
The Fiesta de la Cruz Velacuy is generally celebrated throughout the city of Cusco, reaching its greatest splendor at the cross located at the Waka of Teteqaqa. In addition, the celebration gains significance at crosses placed in emblematic locations such as the temples of San Francisco, San Cristóbal, Sacsayhuamán, Osqollo, as well as in numerous private homes, particularly in the city’s historic mansions. This festivity stands out for its deep religious and cultural meaning, blending ancestral traditions with Christian devotion.
Gastronomy and Popular Festivities
During the celebration, families and stewards organize large banquets where traditional regional dishes are served. Some of the most representative ones include:
| TRADITIONAL DISH | DESCRIPTION |
| Chiri Uchu | Iconic Cusqueñan dish meaning “cold chili.” It includes guinea pig, chicken, sausage, cheese, corn tortilla, rocoto pepper, and fish roe. It is served cold and is a festival favorite. |
| Roast Suckling Pig | Pork roasted with a special marinade of chili, garlic, and Andean spices. Served with tamales or hominy. |
| Timpu or Puchero | A traditional stew made with beef, lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, and cabbage, slowly cooked to enhance its flavors. |
| Cusqueñan Chicharrón | Pork fried in its own fat, served with hominy, sweet potato, and criolla sauce. |
| Olluquito with Charqui | A stew made with olluco (an Andean tuber) and charqui (dried meat), traditional in the Peruvian highlands. |
| Cusqueñan Tamales | Made with corn dough, filled with pork or chicken, wrapped in banana or corn leaves, and steamed. |
| Bean Punch | A hot drink made from roasted beans, milk, and spices—perfect for the chilly nights of the celebration. |
After the mass and the procession of the cross, the streets and plazas are filled with celebration. Gastronomic and artisan fairs, folk dance performances, and sporting events are held throughout Cusco’s communities, turning every corner into a space of joy and cultural expression.
Meanwhile, the stewards (carguyoq) are in charge of hosting the celebration, organizing food and covering the expenses for musicians and dancers. In the plazas, attendees enjoy live music with local bands, bullfights, horse races, and traditional games. As night falls, the much-anticipated lighting of candles and fireworks begins, illuminating the sky and creating a mystical and festive atmosphere that envelops everyone in an unforgettable experience.
