Easter

Standing with candles, accompanied by songs and prayers, continues until dawn.The celebration of Easter in Peru is the peak of religious feelings for the Andeans. In the capital of the Ayacucho department, San Cristobal de Huamanga, located at an altitude of 2761 meters above sea level, celebrates one of the most intense in the image of passion, a holiday lasting a week.

The celebration begins with the entry of Jesus into the city on a donkey. Then noisy processions pass through the streets of the city: participants carry the images of the Virgin Mary and St. John, those walking in front sprinkle the road with white rose petals. The procession reaches the main square of the city and stops before the image of Christ. All participants welcome him.

In the evening, men and women, dressed in strict dark clothes, line up in rows, holding white candles in their hands. The light of thousands of candles majestically illuminates the dark streets of the city. Standing with candles, accompanied by songs and prayers, continues until dawn. After that, grief is replaced by a festive mood - Sunday came - Christ was resurrected. Once again there are festive processions in the streets.