While similar to celebrations across the world, there are many customs that make New Year’s Eve distinct in Cusco. Each family will celebrate in its own way according to their traditions.
The festival has its origins in the slavery of the colonial era, when a black Angolan slave drew a picture of Christ on the walls of his hut at the Pachacamilla plantation near Lima.
Rebuilding of Q'eswachaka (or Keswachaka) Bridge.
Also spelt Queshuachaca / Queswachaca / Qheswachaka.
The road system known as the Qhapaq Nan was vital to holding the great Inca
Empire together, with its spread from Colombia
The Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of the mestizo population and is known to locals as Mamacha Carmen. Once a year, the otherwise sleepy town of Paucartambo, is home to a massive festival in the Virgin’s honor.
The Señor Qoyllur R’iti pilgrimage is one of the most important festivals in the Peruvian Andean religious calendar. Consider this blog to be a primer on the festival of Qoyllur R’iti, its spiritual and historical aspects.
