This image of a crucified Christ is significant for Cusco devotees, as it serves as its main saint. Its distinctive feature is that it’s dark-skinned and brown hair, unlike many other Christ’s representations as images.
King Philip II of Spain noticed the indigenous people's reverence for the sun and commissioned a statue resembling an indigenous Christ, with harsh features and a dark complexion. This statue of Christ crucified was to be sent to Cusco but encountered a miraculous event during its sea journey to the Callao seaport in Lima, a fierce storm threatened the ship until the Christ statue was removed, which miraculously calmed the storm, leading to its moniker, the "Christ of the Storms."
Upon reaching Callao seaport, the plan was to transport the statue to the city of Cusco, but an unusual occurrence halted this. The chest containing the image became inexplicably heavy, preventing its movement. Locals interpreted this as a sign that Christ wanted to stay, however, it was later revealed that this story was fabricated by the muleteer who wished to keep the statue. The Christ of the Storms found its home in Mollepata, Anta, and during religious processions, it now travels through Cusco's main square.
After a great earthquake in 1650, the statue was called the "Christ of the Good Death," and its association with calming the frequent earthquakes in Cusco at that time, during processions led to the title "Señor de los Temblores." During the parade, people throw “Ñucchu” flowers to it. This flower is commonly used in Cusco and the Peruvian Andes, its particular lively red color resembles the blood of Christ.
The “Cristo Moreno “ (dark-skinned Christ) is recognized to have an entirely indigenous origin, in contrast to the myth that is frequently claimed about it. This was made clear when it was rebuilt more than three centuries later and revealed to be constructed from materials that are often found in the Andes, including balsa wood, maguey wood, and flax fiber.
Not only is this Christ figure among the earliest, but it's also among the most ornate. Its hands have gold nails that are set with priceless stones, its cornices are inlaid with beautiful gold, and it has two crowns, one made of silver and the other of gold.
The temple dedicated to this statue is Cusco’s cathedral, which is the most worshipped and popular statue in the church. The basis of this church was once the place where Incas worshipped the Tikse Wiracocha god. On the holy week in Cusco, especially on Holy Monday, thousands of loyal worshippers and devotees carry the statue around the streets of Cusco City.
This feast is another example of Cusco’s and Peru's vast and ancient cultural and historical legacy. Live this celebration with Viagens Machu Picchu, in Cusco and other destinations around Peru.
