Every Holy Week, Cusco pauses before the imposing figure of the Lord of the Earthquakes , also known as the Taytacha of the Earthquakes . This image of the crucified Christ is not only a religious symbol, but also a cultural icon that reflects the fusion between Catholic devotion and Andean beliefs .
The Lord of the Earthquakes represents the sworn patron saint of Cusco and his procession is one of the most anticipated events by thousands of faithful who, year after year, fill the cobblestone streets to pay homage to him.
Origin of the Lord of the Earthquakes
The story dates back to the 17th century, when, according to colonial records, the image was sent from Spain as a gift from King Philip II. However, the statue that arrived in Peru was not what was expected: it had a dark skin tone , which surprised the Spaniards and, at the same time, forged a deep connection with the Andean people .
On March 31, 1650, a powerful earthquake struck the city of Cusco. Amid the panic, the people carried the image of the Black Christ in procession, and according to tradition, the tremors ceased. From that moment on, he was proclaimed the "Lord of the Earthquakes," protector and symbol of hope for the people of Cusco.
The devotion that unites two worlds
The cult of the Lord of the Earthquakes is an example of religious syncretism , a union between the Catholic faith introduced by the Spanish and the ancestral beliefs of the Incas.
For the ancient inhabitants of Tawantinsuyo, earthquakes were signs from the apus, or mountain spirits . With the arrival of Christianity, these meanings merged into the figure of the Black Christ, whom the faithful affectionately call "Taytacha," which in Quechua means "Little Father."
This cultural duality is what makes the Lord of the Earthquakes festival transcend the religious and become a living manifestation of Andean identity .
The most anticipated procession of Holy Week
The Lord of the Earthquakes is carried in procession every Holy Monday , marking the beginning of Holy Week in Cusco. From the Cathedral, it travels through the main streets of the historic center accompanied by thousands of devotees, musical bands, flowers, and songs in Quechua.
During the procession, the faithful throw ñucchu , a traditional red flower that symbolizes the blood of Christ. This practice, inherited from Inca customs, transforms the walk into a spectacle of color, music, and fervor.
📍 Fun fact: The ñucchu was used in Andean rituals to offer to the gods, and today it remains a symbol of respect and devotion to Taytacha.
Meaning of the Black Christ of Cusco
The image of the Lord of the Earthquakes is made of maguey and plaster , lightweight yet durable materials. Over the years, the smoke from candles and the dust from processions darkened its color, giving it the brownish appearance that characterizes it today.
His face reflects pain, humanity, and compassion , characteristics that allow the faithful to identify with him. Many devotees affirm that his expression changes over time , as if it were reflecting the feelings of the people of Cusco in each era.
The Taytacha and its role in Cusco identity
Beyond its religious significance, the Lord of the Earthquakes represents the soul of Cusco. His veneration is a testament to the pride of being Andean and how spirituality has adapted and survived historical changes.
Every year, thousands of people from Cusco return to their hometown just to participate in this celebration, reaffirming their connection to the city and its culture . In many homes, families place small replicas of Taytacha as a symbol of protection and guidance.
Religious tourism surrounding the Lord of the Earthquakes
Holy Monday has also become a day of great tourist influx . National and international visitors arrive to witness the procession, admire the popular devotion, and learn firsthand the history behind the image.
Many tourists complement this experience with tours of the Historic Center of Cusco , the Cathedral and the colonial temples, where religious art tells the story of the syncretism between the Inca and Christian worlds.
👉 If you plan to visit Cusco during Holy Week, you can also read our article about Holy Week in Ayacucho , another emblematic festival in Peru.
The spiritual legacy of Taytacha
The devotion to the Lord of the Earthquakes remains strong thanks to family traditions and the commitment of the Archdiocese of Cusco . Each year, new generations of young people join as bearers, musicians, or devotees, ensuring that the tradition is never lost.
Taytacha represents resilience, faith, and hope —values deeply rooted in the identity of the people of Cusco. His figure reminds us that, even in the most adverse moments, faith can keep an entire community strong.
A symbol that transcends time
The Lord of the Earthquakes not only protects Cusco from earthquakes, but has become an emblem of the Andean soul , where the spiritual, the historical and the cultural intertwine in a single devotion.
Every Holy Monday, when the bells ring and the Taytacha walks through the ancient streets, the whole of Cusco relives its history, reaffirming its faith in a Christ who was born from pain, but remained standing thanks to the love of his people.