EASTER IN PERU

At the bottom of the Huascarán - on of the largest glaciers of the world - in the city of Huaraz, Holy Week (Semana Santa) is filled with tradition and costumes of the local people who commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Huaraz which is known as the "Peruvian Switzerland", preparations already start one year ahead to stage Jesus' life of suffering and his resurrection as authentically as possible.

The festivities are inaugurated on Palm Sunday by a traditional procession with palm leaves: a Jesus' effigy is led through the main streets on a donkey's back, accompanied by the population's applause and homage. Each day of Holy Week is commited with a lot of dedication. Just at the beginning of Holy Week every day, particular processions take place which demonstrate various stages of Jesus' suffering by effigies and ceremonies.

On Maundy Thursday, the festivities reach their splendiferous climax with the consecretion of Holy Eucharist. On this day, the local people - impulsed by their faith - visit the sick citizens in the hospitals and their homes.

Besides, the nocturnal death watch - or "Huaraqui" which means "dawning" in Quechua - takes place in the church Iglesia de la Soledad. These celebrations last until the early morning hours of Holy Friday. Holy Friday starts with the procession of the crucified Jesus, an effigy followed by the barrow of the Virgen Dolorosa (suffering Virgin). Just like at other places of the Peruvian Highlands they are accompanied by the barrows of Saint John and Mary Magdalena and the believers.

On the last day of Holy Week, on Easter Sunday, Jesus Christ is led to the Plaza de Armas in a procession where he and the Virgen Dolorosa meet. Christ appears to the Virgin, while the birds' flight and the colorful fireworks announce the Lord's resurrection to the four winds.

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