Corpus Christi Cusco 2025
Unique Religious Holiday

Corpus Christi 2025
Procession of the 15 Saints

The perfect fusion between Catholic faith and Andean tradition with the 12 most representative typical dishes

19 June 2025
15 Santos
12 Dishes
See Procession Check Tour
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What is Corpus Christi?
UNIQUE IN THE WORLD
Cultural Fusion

What is Corpus Christi Cusqueño?

The Corpus Christi of Cusco is a unique celebration in the world that fuses the Catholic faith with the Andean worldview. Every year, 15 images of patron saints from different parishes in Cusco converge on the Cathedral in an impressive procession that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.

What makes this festivity special is the combination of the sacred with the gastronomic: during the celebration, the famous 12 typical Corpus Christi dishes are prepared, with Chiriuchu being the most emblematic. This culinary tradition has been maintained for more than 400 years and represents the mestizo identity of Cusco.

15 patron saints in procession
12 typical traditional dishes
Unique Catholic-Andean fusion
400+ Years Old Celebration
June 19, 2025 (60 days after Easter)
All day (6:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Thousands of devotees and tourists
Culinary Tradition

The 12 Dishes of Corpus Christi

A 400-year-old gastronomic tradition that fuses Andean and colonial ingredients

1. Chiriuchu

The star dish of Corpus. It combines guinea pig, chicken, charqui (dried meat), chorizo, black pudding, qochayuyo (Andean seaweed), cheese, trout eggs, toasted corn and rocoto. It is served cold and represents the perfect fusion of Inca and Spanish ingredients. Each Cusco family has its secret recipe.

2. Rocoto Relleno

Rocoto pepper stuffed with ground beef, raisins, peanuts and spices, gratin with cheese. Accompanied by potato cake. This dish balances the intense spiciness with the mild flavor of the cake, creating a unique combination that represents Cusco's mestizo cuisine.

3. Cuy Chactado

Fried guinea pig with ancestral technique using flat stone. Served crispy with golden potatoes and chili pepper. During Corpus Christi it is prepared in large quantities and shared with the family. It is considered a delicacy and symbol of abundance.

4. Fava Bean Kapchi

Creamy stew of fresh broad beans with cheese, milk, eggs and yellow pepper. Traditional vegetarian dish representing the June harvest. Broad beans are a symbol of abundance in Andean culture and this dish is prepared especially for Corpus.

5. Chicken Broth

Comforting broth prepared with Creole chicken, potatoes, noodles and aromatic herbs. It is served hot and is perfect for cold June mornings. It symbolizes Cusco hospitality and is shared among neighbors and visitors.

6. Kapchi Cheese

Similar to the Fava Bean Kapchi but prepared with fresh Andean cheese, potatoes, milk and chili pepper. Creamy and nutritious dish that perfectly accompanies Chiriuchu. Cusco cheese has a special texture that makes it unique in Peruvian gastronomy.

And 6 more traditional dishes: Adobo, Chicharrón, Pepián de Cuy, Olluquito with Charqui, Timpo and T'impu de Cordero. Each one with its history and meaning in this ancestral festivity.

History of Corpus Christi
HERITAGE
400 Years of Tradition

History of Corpus Christi Cusco

Colonial Origins (16th Century)

Corpus Christi was introduced by the Spanish in the sixteenth century as part of Catholic evangelization. However, the people of Cusco fused this celebration with their ancient ceremonies of gratitude to the Sun and Pachamama. Catholic saints replaced the ancient huacas (Inca deities), creating a unique religious syncretism.

The 12-Course Tradition

The custom of preparing 12 dishes during Corpus Christi has its origin in colonial times. The Spaniards celebrated with banquets and the indigenous people contributed their ingredients and culinary techniques. Chiriuchu (which means "cold chili pepper" in Quechua) was born as the perfect fusion between both cultures, combining European ingredients (chicken, chorizo) with Andean ingredients (guinea pig, charqui, qochayuyo).

News and Heritage

Today, Cusco's Corpus Christi is recognized as one of the most important cultural manifestations in Peru. The procession of the 15 saints and the tradition of the 12 dishes remain intact after more than 400 years. Each Cusco family proudly keeps its ancestral recipes and actively participates in this festivity that represents the mestizo identity of modern Cusco.

Experience Corpus Christi 2025

Do you want to live this gastronomic experience?

Book your Corpus Christi food tour. Includes tasting of Chiriuchu and other typical dishes, specialized guide, tour of the procession and visit to traditional restaurants.

Tasting included
Full Procession
Professional Photos
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