The festivity of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i is a religious and cultural celebration that takes place in the Peruvian Andes, specifically in the region of Cusco. This festivity combines elements of the Catholic religion with pre-Hispanic traditions, creating a unique and fascinating syncretism.
This year 2024 this festivity begins on May 26th.
In the distant times of the 18th century, in the remote corner of Mahuyani, a simple family, headed by Mr. Mayta and his two sons, lived at the foot of the snowy mountain. The youngest, Mariano, was constrained to herd the flocks in the rough Sinak'ara pit, while his older brother neglected his duties. Exhausted by the exploitation and neglect, Mariano decided to take a longer route to avoid his brother, crossing the snowy mountain. On his way, he met a boy of singular appearance, with a white complexion, who introduced himself as Manuel and offered him friendship and help in his work. Together, they shared days of joy, laughter and complicity, revealing the divine presence in the everyday.
This narration is just a brushstroke of the enriching history that surrounds the Taytacha of Qoyllurit'i. Every year, crowds congregate in this sacred enclave to honor this venerated figure, whose story is a testimony of faith, camaraderie and the divine presence in the vicissitudes of daily life.
The pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i usually begins 58 days after Easter Sunday, when thousands of people from different parts of the country gather to undertake a spiritual journey to the sanctuary, located in the hollow of the Sinakara, at the foot of the imposing mountains. During the pilgrimage, processions are made with crosses ascending the snowy mountain peaks, symbolizing the spiritual quest of the faithful.
Remember that the walk to the sanctuary can take between 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace.
One of the highlights of the festivity is the twenty-four hour procession, where the images of the Sorrowful Virgin and the Lord of Tayancani are carried to the town of Tayancani to celebrate the appearance of the first rays of the sun. In addition, dance plays a fundamental role in this celebration, with close to one hundred different dances representing the different cultures and traditions of the various participating nations.
Behind this magnificent celebration are the Council of Pilgrim Nations and the Brotherhood of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i, also known as “pablitos” or “pabluchas”, in charge of organizing and supervising the activities of the pilgrimage, as well as establishing rules and codes of conduct to ensure its smooth running. The festivity of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i is a living testimony of the cultural and spiritual richness of the Peruvian people, and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving and valuing our ancestral traditions.
Preparing for the Lord of Qoyllurit'i Experience: Essential Clothing and Equipment.
If you are planning to participate in the fascinating festival of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i, it is crucial to make sure you have the proper clothing and equipment to face the challenging weather conditions of the Peruvian Andes.
The climate in the sanctuary region can be extremely cold, with temperatures that can drop as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is essential to dress warmly and thermally to maintain body heat and protect yourself from the intense cold. It is recommended to wear several layers of clothing, including waterproof jackets, thick pants, sweaters, hats, gloves and scarves. It is also important to wear waterproof and cold-resistant socks and boots to protect your feet from contact with snow and ice.
The festivity of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i usually lasts several days, and those who wish to participate fully in the experience may choose to stay overnight in the area. In this case, it is essential to be prepared with the proper camping equipment. It is recommended to bring a sturdy and spacious tent, warm sleeping bags, sleeping mats or thermal insulators to sleep comfortably on the cold ground, and flashlights or lanterns to illuminate the night.
In addition to clothing and camping equipment, it is important to bring other essential items to ensure a safe and comfortable experience on the holiday. These items include non-perishable food and beverages and enough drinking water for several days, portable cooking equipment, personal hygiene products, basic medications, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Before embarking on the journey to the sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i, it is essential to plan thoroughly and be fully prepared to face adverse environmental conditions. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with extreme weather and high altitude, and to take the necessary precautions to protect your health and personal safety throughout the journey.
By following these recommendations and properly preparing yourself with the essential clothing and equipment, you will be ready to immerse yourself in the unique and exciting experience of the Lord of Qoyllurit'i festival, and enjoy all that this cultural and spiritual event has to offer. May your journey be filled with unforgettable moments and enriching experiences in the majestic lands of the Peruvian Andes!
¿POR QUÉ VIAJAR CON ANDINO PERU TOURS?
Nos esforzamos por brindar libertad en tus viajes, a través de un servicio especializado y de calidad que asegura una experiencia sin preocupaciones. Nos ocupamos completamente de la organización de tu viaje para que puedas disfrutar al máximo.
Nos enfocamos en crear experiencias inolvidables mediante un equipo experto y proveedores cuidadosamente seleccionados. Mantenemos grupos reducidos para garantizar un servicio excepcional y que aproveches al máximo cada recorrido.
Lunes a Viernes: 8:00 - 20:00
Sabados: 8:00 - 13:00
Domingos: Cerrado
