The Lord of Qoyllority (Lord of the Star Snow or Lord of the Bright Snow) is the name the people of Cusco have given to an image of Christ etched on a rock. According to tradition, this image appeared in the late seventeenth century to a small shepherd boy, Marianito Mayta, in the Sinakara valley at the foot of Mount Qolkepunku, in the Ausangate range (SE of the city of Cusco, in the province of Quispicanchi).
Since then, on the Monday and Tuesday before Corpus Christi thousands of people make the pilgrimage to the sanctuary built on the site.This is a celebration that mixes Christian beliefs, with ancient Andean rituals to honor the snowcapped peak, or apu believed to be a deity.
Several features of this indigenous celebration make it a fascinating event: its majestic setting on the slopes of a snow-capped peak rising over 4 500 meters above sea level, the colorful dances performed by the different ethnic groups of the region in tribute to the Lord of the mountain, and the Pabluchas or ukukus, men dressed from head to foot in woolen costumes that represent mythical animals.
The ukukus hike up to the glaciar to cut out blocks of ice. which they will bring to the Cusco Cathedral as an offering and from them on to their villages, where each one will porm the sacred water on the fields in order toeusure their fertility. Also worth seeing is the procession on Tuesday night from the sanctuary, over the crest of the mountain, to Tayankani, a chapel near the town of Ocongate.
Machu picchu Full Day Tour is the main Tourist attraction in Cusco and Perú, but the feast of the Lord of Qoyllority is a religious event but it has an ancestral influence from the Inca and pre-Inca times, for this reason this festival is one of the largest and sacred in Cusco and southern Perú.
Few tourists attend this celebration, but those who do have the opportunity to see it will have a unique experience.
FAQs Lord of Qoyllority Festival
What is the Lord of Qoyllority Festival?
The Lord of Qoyllority Festival is a religious and cultural celebration held in Cusco, Peru, every year on the Monday and Tuesday before Corpus Christi. Thousands of pilgrims ascend to the sanctuary located at the foot of Mount Qolkepunku to honor the image of the Lord of Qoyllority, which, according to tradition, appeared to a young shepherd in the 17th century.
Where is the Lord of Qoyllority Festival celebrated?
The festival is celebrated in the Sinakara Valley, at the foot of Mount Qolkepunku, which is part of the Ausangate mountain range, located south of the city of Cusco, in the province of Quispicanchi.
When is the Lord of Qoyllority Festival celebrated?
The festival takes place on the Monday and Tuesday before Corpus Christi, which typically occurs between May and June each year.
What are the "Ukukus" or "Pabluchas" in the festival?
The "Ukukus" or "Pabluchas" are men dressed entirely in wool outfits that represent mythical animals from the Andean region. During the festival, they perform dances and rituals in honor of the Lord of Qoyllority.
What activities are held during the festival?
Some of the main activities include traditional dances performed by different ethnic groups in the region, Andean rituals, the walk to the glacier to cut blocks of ice, and the night procession from the sanctuary to the Tayankani chapel.
Why do the "Ukukus" cut ice from the glacier?
The ice cut from the glacier is taken to the Cusco Cathedral as an offering and then distributed to nearby towns. It is used in rituals to ensure the fertility of the fields of the farmers.
Is the pilgrimage to the Lord of Qoyllority safe?
The pilgrimage involves walking at high altitudes (over 4,500 meters above sea level), which can be challenging. Pilgrims are advised to be physically prepared and take precautions against altitude-related risks.
What are the highlights for tourists attending the festival?
Tourists can enjoy a unique experience, with stunning views of Mount Ausangate, a blend of Andean and Christian rituals, colorful dances, and the opportunity to witness one of Cusco's most iconic festivals, although few tourists attend due to the physical challenges of the event.
Are tourists allowed to participate in the festival?
Although few tourists attend the festival due to the challenging journey, those who do are welcome to join the celebrations, as long as they respect local customs and religious traditions.
What is the night procession on Tuesday during the Lord of Qoyllority festival?
The night procession is one of the most exciting moments of the festival. During Tuesday night, pilgrims walk from the sanctuary along the ridge of the mountain to the Tayankani chapel, in an event full of spirituality and devotion.
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