Se–or de los Temblores Procession
Se–or de los Temblores Procession
Shortly after it was installed in a chapel of the unfinished cathedral in Cuzco, the city was hit by the terrible earthquake of 1650. The earth shook for three days, and it didn't stop until the crucifix was taken from the undamaged church and carried into the streets. Thereafter, it was called el Señor de los Temblores (Lord of the Earthquakes), and the people believed that it protected Cuzco from earthquakes for almost 300 years.
To commemorate this event, the Quechua Indians of Cuzco take the Lord of the Earthquakes out in procession every year on the Monday before Easter. Before it leaves the church, however, it is carefully dusted and dressed in white, lace-trimmed panties, which are then covered first with a white loincloth and then with a black velvet one. The statue wears no clothes on its arms or chest, although it wears a curly wig topped by a gold crown. It is carried in the procession by 30 men bearing a heavy litter made of solid silver, and Quechua Indians carrying lighted candles lay down a "carpet" of red flower petals for the Señor to pass over. With church officials bringing up the rear, the procession stops at various churches throughout the city, where the litter enters the church. Few brave a look directly into the Señor's face, as tradition holds that a single glance from the statue indicates that one will die in the year to come.
Although Cuzco suffered a serious earthquake in 1941, the Indians maintain faith in the image's power to protect them.
Commission for the Promotion of Peru
Calle Uno Oeste No. 50, piso 13th
Urb. Corpac
Lima, 27 Peru
51-1-4224-3131; fax: 51-1-224-7134
www.promperu.gob.pe
FiestaTime-1965, p. 64