Overview:

is an annual festival which is held in honour of Pachamama (Mother Earth) in the Peruvian city of Cusco. It falls on the 8th day of August each year which is the same day that the Inca Empire was born in the Andes Mountains. During the festival, locals organize a procession to the Qorikancha (Cusco's temple of the Sun) where they honour Pachamama and her divine power to bring forth life to the lands. This procession usually consists of Pachamama's chosen animals (llamas, alpacas), colourful local costumes, chanting, song and dance. After the procession, the locals make offerings of coca leaves, fruits and other goods to Pachamama in exchange for bountiful harvests and luck of the year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. The man-made polygonal stone structures of Q'enqo: Located just outside of Cusco in Peru, the polygonal stone structures of Q'enqo are one of the most distinctive features of Lord of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores). This impressive piece of Inca architecture consists of two giant terraces and two monolithic blocks interconnected by steps. The most characteristic feature of the polygonal stone structures is its imposing trapezoidal shape, which was likely chosen to resemble the form of real earthquakes. 2. The Inti Raymi festival: The Inti Raymi festival is an annual event held in Cusco in May that commemorates the God of Sun, Inti. During this festival, locals perform a parade that circles around the city and includes dancers, musicians, and colorful costumes. Every year, the festivities culminate in a traditional offering of sacrifices to the Lord of the Earthquakes (Señor de los Temblores). 3. Coricancha: Coricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, is a sacred temple in Cusco dedicated to the Inca sun god, Inti. According to legend, this was where the Lord of the Earthquakes was first worshipped. Here, priests would make offerings to the god and perform rituals to avert natural disasters. Inside the temple walls is the Intiwatana, or the “hitching post of the sun,” which was used to predict the solstices and movements of the sun. 4. The sacred mountain Saqsaywaman: Saqsaywaman, which means “satisfied falcon” in Quechua, is a sacred mountain located just outside of Cusco. It is believed to have been a religious center for the Inca, and was where the Lord of the Earthquakes was worshipped. Here, people would make sacrifices as a form of petitioning for the god’s protection and goodwill. The mountain consists of enormous and well-engineered stones that were carved to fit together perfectly without the use of mortar. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The legend of the Señor de los Temblores, or Lord of the Earthquakes, is said to have began in the 16th century in Cusco, Peru. It states that during the time of the Spanish conquest, a giant statue of Christ was seen to bring forth strong earthquakes that shook the entire city. The earthquakes were so devastating that the citizens of Cusco began praying to the statue for protection. The legend of the Señor de los Temblores continued to be passed down through generations and eventually became associated with the image of the Lord of the Earthquakes. The belief is that the statue is a kind of guardian spirit that can be summoned providing protection during any kind of natural disaster. In modern times, the Lord of the Earthquakes is the patron saint of Cusco and is celebrated each year with a processional on the Day of the Dead. The locals decorate the alleys with colorful balloons and flowers and line the straits singing traditional hymns. Offerings such as fir and live pigeons are brought to the statue as a sign of respect and appreciation. The image of Lord of the Earthquakes is forever present in the hearts of the citizens of Cusco, and continues to bring protection to the city in times of need. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Señor de los Temblores is a large wooden statue of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, located in the Cathedral of Cusco, Peru. 2. The Señor de los Temblores is considered the patron saint of Cusco and was originally created in 1580 to protect the city from destruction during earthquakes. 3. The statue was destroyed by an earthquake in 1650 and then reconstructed in 1714 by Peruvian sculptor Carlos Clavijo. 4. The Señor de los Temblores stands at 3.25 meters (10 feet 7 inches) tall and is displayed in a glass case in the Cathedral of Cusco. 5. Every 23rd of July, on the Feast of the Señor de los Temblores, there is a festival to honor the patron saint. 6. The festival includes traditional dances, traditional food, and traditional music, and it is attended by many pilgrims from all over Peru and the world. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era