Unlike the commemorations of Easter in other regions of the country, in Cusco Holy Monday is the day that acquires greater meaning and where faith is most apparent with deep devotion, because that day the Lord of Tremors (earthquakes), considered to be the sworn patron Saint of the city, leaves the church in a full procession around the town.

The Sunday of Branches is the traditional blessing of Branches at nine in the morning, followed by a procession and Eucharistic service in the Cathedral basilica.

On Holy Monday, a solemn mass of Holy Communion is held by the Archbishop in the Cathedral Basilica. From 8am masses are celebrated hourly until midday, in honour of the Lord of Tremors. At 7pm more than one hundred thousand people who hours before congregated in the main square wait with faith for the blessing of the dark-skinned Christ, that will take place amidst the wailing of sirens and deep retreat.

On Holy Friday at 4am the ‘Route of the Cross’ is followed from the San Francisco Square to the Cross of the Pope in Saqsaywaman, organized by the Convent of San Francisco. Meanwhile, from 6am onwards in San Francisco Square, part of the Cusqueñan Easter tradition is to hold a peculiar fair of contemporary medicinal plants, known as the HAMPY RANTIKUY fair. Farmers arrive from distant places to sell a great diversity of species of medicinal plants and native flora of the region, which have proven healing virtues. Most predominant is the purchase of naturally grown thorn crosses, moored to another cross made of ñihua leaves, and adorned with garlic braids, wild flowers, dried roses, and phallchas (mulberry flourmills). These crosses are traditionally placed behind the doors of the houses, to protect homes of all evil or curse. Also in this fair all the necessary products for the preparation of the so-called “twelve dishes” are sold.