Easter in Lima, Peru

Around the globe the celebration of Easter, so the commemoration of Jesus’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection from the dead, is the most important festivity in the yearly calendar for Christians. Peru, where over 80% of the population is catholic and another more or less 12% evangelic protestant, is no exception. While celebrations in some Peruvian cities and communities are more enthusiastic than in others, generally the festivities are a quite traditional affair with some ancient customs mixed in. The Semana Santa starts on Domingo de Ramos, Palm Sunday, so the Sunday before Easter Sunday with Jueves Santo, Holy Thursday and Viernes Santo, Good Friday being public holidays in Peru. Easter Sunday, or Domingo de Resurrección, is the biggest day of celebration beginning with fireworks displays, most of them beginning at dawn, and many parties and festivities happening all over the country. Food, dancing, and parades take place all across the country to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.