In Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire, Semana Santa observations revolve around the Señor de los Temblores. Legend has it that the statue of Christ, sent by Philip V of Spain to aid in the conversion of the Indians, became emaciated and blackened following an earthquake on May 31, 1650. The statue, now resembling the native population, has been revered since as the Cristo de los Temblores (Christ of the Earthquakes.) The processions through the streets are colored by strips of textiles woven with gold thread that hang in the windows of houses, and enlivened by firecrackers and noise makers.

A different slant to the religious rituals occurs on Good Friday when abstinence is not practiced. Instead, participants feast on twelve traditional dishes, from soups, fish, potato dishes to desserts. Again on Easter Sunday, celebrating with food ends the Semana Santa observations.

All in all this is a great time to spend in Cusco and enjoy the revelries of the street processions, followed by a few drinks in the Loki bar!