Do you want to experience one of the largest processions in the Andes? We present you the Festival of the Crosses in Cusco or also known as Cruz Vellacuy which is celebrated every May and transforms entire neighborhoods into stages full of music, color, dances, flowers and spirituality. It is one of the most powerful expressions of Andean syncretism: a living mixture of Catholic devotion and ancient beliefs that still beat strong in the villages of the Peruvian Andes.
Join us to discover the history, the rituals and everything that makes this unique festivity so special. If you love Andean culture, this is an event you can’t miss so get ready for an entertaining and culturally meaningful journey through one of Cusco’s most vibrant traditions.
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What is the Festival of the Crosses or Cruz Velacuy?
The Festival of the Crosses, known in Cusco as Cruz Velacuy, is one of the most authentic and symbolic celebrations of the Andean calendar. It takes place every year between May 2 and 3, and represents a clear example of religious syncretism between Christianity brought by the Spaniards and the ancestral beliefs of the Inca world.
In this celebration, rural and urban communities prepare and venerate crosses that have been decorated with flowers, candles, multicolored fabrics and offerings. Some are placed on hills, others in chapels, houses or squares, but all have the same function: to protect, thank and ask for health.
The name “Velacuy” comes from the Quechua ‘velar’ or “to watch”, and reflects the central practice of the festivity: spending the night accompanying the cross with music, songs, prayers and shared food. It is a night of recollection, but also of joy and community. And the next day, on May 3, the crosses go out in procession, accompanied by music bands, traditional dances, and all the festive spirit of the Andes.
The origin of Cruz Velacuy
To understand the Festival of the Crosses or Cruz Velacuy, one must go back centuries, to that moment when two worlds collided and began to intertwine: the Andean cosmovision and the Catholic religion. This festivity was born precisely from that encounter, as a form of cultural adaptation that, with the passage of time, became a living tradition.
When the Spaniards arrived in the Tawantinsuyo, they brought with them the Christian cross, the central symbol of their faith. The Andean peoples, however, already had a strong spiritual connection with the mountains (apus), the elements of nature and sacred geometric shapes. The cross, being a figure with four cardinal points, was quickly associated with concepts proper to the Andean world, such as the four suyos of the Inca empire and the balance of life in the cycles of the earth.
Thus, what began as a religious imposition, was transformed into a hybrid celebration, where the cross not only represents Christ, but also the link between heaven, earth and ancestors. Over time, each community in the Andes adopted its own cross, which they dress, care for and venerate with devotion every May 3.
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When is the Festival of the Crosses Celebrated?
The Festival of the Crosses, known in Cusco as Cruz Velacuy, is celebrated at the beginning of May, being May 3rd the central date. This day is recognized throughout the Catholic world as the Day of the Holy Cross, but in the Peruvian Andes it takes on a much deeper meaning, full of symbolism and ancestral tradition.
Local calendar in Cusco and surrounding areas
Although May 3 is the official date, many neighborhoods in Cusco and surrounding districts such as San Jeronimo, San Sebastian, Santiago or Saylla celebrate on different days, extending the festival throughout the first week of May. Each area has its own rhythm, its own patron saint crosses, its own music and its own way of paying homage.
Festival of the Crosses: Days of celebration
Many Peru tour packages include cultural experiences in Cusco, but few offer the opportunity to actively participate in celebrations like Cruz Velacuy. But it is not only a day of festivity, at the beginning of May preparations begin, in the afternoon or early evening, community members take down sacred crosses from hillsides, rooftops, chapels or wak’as (sacred places). These crosses are decorated with flowers, candles, cloth, mirrors, fruits and symbols of local identity. The ritual marks the beginning of the vigil (night vigil).
Night of may 2: La Velación
Families and neighborhoods hold all-night vigils, lighting candles, praying, singing and offering food and drink around the cross. It is a time of spiritual communion, often accompanied by harawi (ancestral songs), violins and even fireworks. The vigil becomes a shared celebration that blends reverence and celebration.
May 3: Central Day
The main festivities begin in the morning with masses, followed by the blessing of the crosses. Later, processions take to the streets, and music groups known as qolla or chunchos may accompany the route. In some areas, dances, traditional games and communal festivities fill the day.
May 4: Farewell and return of the Cross
Although less formal, this last day includes a farewell mass and the return of the crosses to their original locations. Some communities extend the festivity with final banquets, music or small rituals to ensure that the cross is protected until the following year.
After participating in the vigil of the crosses, many travelers opt for a rainbow mountain day tour which offers a striking contrast between the spiritual celebration in traditional neighborhoods and the natural majesty of the Andes.
Traditions of Cruz Velacuy
We present the representative traditions of the Festival of the Crosses in Peru, from the preparation of the altars to the rituals of gratitude to the earth. These customs reflect the profound union between community, faith, and nature.
The Mayordomos or “Carguyoq”
These figures are the organizing soul of the Festival of the Crosses. Chosen months—even a year—in advance, the carguyoq assume the spiritual and logistical responsibility of preparing the festival. This is no minor role: they finance everything from the cross decorations to the music, food, and drinks. But beyond money, their role is to keep the tradition alive, encourage neighborhood participation, and honor the memory of those who carried the cross in previous years. They often do so as part of a promise or in gratitude for favors received.
Rituals of payment to the earth (Pachamama)
In many communities, the festival begins with a ceremonial offering to Mother Earth. This symbolic act is a “thank you” for the protection and fruits received during the year. Coca leaves, liquor, colored wool, and miniature foods are placed on small altars at the foot of the crosses. The ritual seeks balance between the human and the natural, the sacred and the everyday. For the Andes, the earth is not just a resource: it is a living being with whom one engages and shares.
Music and dance
The streets are filled with troupes of dancers performing ancestral styles such as the Qhapaq Qolla, with their masks and bright costumes; the Chunchos, with spears and feathered headdresses; and the Carnavales, with festive and contagious choreography. Each dance has a story: some represent abundance, others, resilience or connection to the spiritual world. All this is accompanied by bands of Andean musicians with drums, quenas, and charangos that resonate in plazas, hills, and alleys until dawn.
Decorated altars
The cross does not stand alone. It becomes a symbol of life, resilience, and beauty. Families and neighborhoods adorn it with fresh flowers—such as carnations and daisies—mirrors that reflect the soul, multicolored ribbons, hand-embroidered fabrics, fruits, and even ceremonial breads. Each element has a meaning: the colors represent joy, the fruits abundance, the mirrors spiritual duality. Seeing one of these altars at night, illuminated by candles, is a deeply moving experience.
Where to experience the Festival of the Crosses in Peru
Although this festival is celebrated in different Andean regions of the country, Cusco is the symbolic heart of the Festival of the Crosses (Cruz Velacuy). Here, tradition is not only preserved but lived intensely. From the historic neighborhoods to sacred hills and small communities surrounding the city, May is filled with decorated crosses, ancestral dances, and community prayers that invite you to be part of something bigger than a simple celebration.
1. San Cristóbal
In the upper part of Cusco, the San Cristóbal neighborhood has one of the most venerated crosses: the cross of the same name, located in front of the church. One of the most traditional processions departs from there. This point combines mass, dances, fireworks, and the ceremonial lowering of the cross, all framed by a panoramic view of the city. On the night of May 2nd, the vigil takes place with prayers, candles, and hot punch.
2. Huaca Teteqaqa
One of the most significant sites is Teteqaqa, a sacred rock formation (wak’a) where one of the oldest crosses is located. In this place, which still preserves its pre-Hispanic ceremonial energy, rituals of reverence to the earth and intensely spiritual vigils are performed. There are no lights or crowds, only quena music, flowers, and prayers by candlelight. It is one of the most intimate and moving experiences of the festival.
3. Traditional neighborhoods
These three neighborhoods are pillars of Cusco’s identity. Each has its own tutelary cross, its own steward, and its own unique way of celebrating. San Blas stands out for its blend of art, devotion, and folklore; Santa Ana maintains a more intimate, rural celebration; and Santiago vibrates with dances like the Qhapaq Qolla and Chunchos, which fill the streets with energy and color.
4. Sacsayhuamán and the Hill Crosses
In the hills surrounding Sacsayhuamán, dozens of crosses are carried on foot or on litter by the communities. Some are placed high above, with impressive views, where a rural mass and rituals of gratitude to Pachamama are celebrated. In this area, the syncretism between Andean and Catholic traditions is intensely experienced, and it is common to see tables with offerings, dances, and traditional music.
5. Huayllarcocha Community
Few people outside of Cusco know this place, but Huayllarcocha, near Poroy, holds one of the most authentic celebrations of the Cruz Velacuy. There are no tourists here, but there is a strong sense of community. Families prepare the cross for days, and on the night of May 2nd, a vigil is held accompanied by punches, songs in Quechua, traditional dishes, and homemade fireworks.
6. Churches in the Historic Center
In these churches, the celebration takes on a more liturgical tone. Solemn masses are celebrated in honor of the Holy Cross, and in some cases, crosses are briefly carried in procession. Although the tone is more formal, it is important to understand the Catholic dimension of the event and how it coexists with rural and ancestral expressions.
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Food during the Festival of the Crosses
At the Festival of the Crosses, food not only nourishes the body but also the community spirit. During the vigil, it’s common to see long tables and blankets spread out where neighbors share traditional dishes prepared with love and tradition.
The most representative dishes are Creole chicken soup, Ayacucho tripe, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and “confiadas,” anise-flavored sweets that accompany the prayers. Everything is cooked in large pots so that no one goes without a taste.
Drinks are also important: chicha de jora is served as an offering and symbol of abundance, while hot punch—made with fava beans, cinnamon, and cloves—comforts during the cold nights of vigil. In some places, cañazo (a type of drink with herbs) is shared in small cups as a sign of unity. Eating and drinking together during this festival is not simply a social act: it’s part of the ritual, a gesture of reciprocity and affection that honors community life.
Travel tips for experiencing Cruz Velacuy
Getting to the city
If you’re in Cusco during the first days of May, getting to the traditional neighborhoods where the Cruz Velacuy celebration is held is fairly easy. From the historic center, you can walk to San Blas, Santa Ana, or Santiago in less than 20 minutes. Just be prepared to climb some steep, cobblestone streets. If you want to go further, such as to Huayllarcocha, Poroy, or Qorao, you can take local public transportation for less than $1 USD or arrange a taxi (around $5 to $10 USD depending on the distance). There are also alternative tours focused on cultural experiences that include transportation, a local guide, and snacks, starting at $25 USD per person.
What to bring
The vigil of the crosses takes place mainly at night and in the early morning, so dress warmly. Bring a good windbreaker, a thick sweater, a wool hat, gloves, and comfortable shoes for walking on wet dirt or stones. A headlamp (from $5 USD in local stores) will be essential if you’re going to climb hills or visit rural communities without streetlights.
If you want to participate respectfully, you can bring a simple offering: coca leaves, a white candle, flowers, or even a small Andean bread. These items, which you can find for less than $2 USD in local markets, are not only symbolic but also allow you to integrate into the ceremony from the heart.
Where to Stay
To be close to the most authentic celebrations, staying in San Blas or Santa Ana is an excellent option. You’ll find everything from basic accommodations (between $20 and $30 USD per night) to boutique hotels in colonial mansions that offer balconies with direct views of the festive streets (between $50 and $100 USD per night).
And for those looking for something truly special, some accommodations outside of Cusco now have sky domes in the valleys of the antiplano. If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, you can look for experiential tourism options in communities like Qorao or Huayllarcocha.
Many families offer stays that include homemade meals and participation in village activities for approximately $25 to $40 USD per night. It’s a beautiful and respectful way to experience the true spirit of Cruz Velacuy.
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Travel to the festival of the crosses
Living the Festival of the Crosses is an opportunity to participate in the largest faith ceremony in Cusco and now thanks to this complete guide you are ready to immerse yourself in an Andean experience where faith, collective memory and cultural identity are intertwined in every detail of the day to day life. Each carefully decorated cross, each song that accompanies the vigil, each embrace between neighbors or visitors, is part of a story that is transmitted from generation to generation. Ready to be part of this transforming experience? Travel to Cusco with us and live the greatest religious celebration.
