Like in many Latin American countries, the vast majority of the Peruvian population is catholic and lives by the catholic calendar and festivities. After the cheerful and colorful season of Carnival, in February, when all excesses are permitted, comes the long period of Lent which ends with Easter. Carnival is a truly enchanting experience, and is most striking in countries suchas Brazil, Ecuador or Chile.

In Peru, the Easter celebrations are the most spectacular. They take place in April during what is called la Semana Santa (Holy Week), beginning on Palm Sunday and continuing on for an entire week leading up to Easter Sunday. Peruvians celebrate this week with joyful services and processions throughout the country. The celebrations generally include a display of fireworks, traditional costumes, music, bullfights and all kinds of fairs.

The most impressive celebrations of Holy Week in the entire country are held in Ayacucho, where all the city's lights are turned off during the candle lit procession on Good Friday. A raging run of the bulls is also staged on Holy Saturday, with the festivities culminating on Easter Sunday, with the image of Christ rising above a pyramid of candles erected at the town's Cathedral.

Also known for its glorious Easter processions, the smaller village of Tarma usually carpets its streets with thousands of flower petals arranged into religious images and other designs. The solemn march leading to the Cathedral, following this path of colors is a truly magical spectacle to behold.

Arequipa is another great place to admire the festivities of the Holy Week. Penitents vent their anger by the burning of effigies of Judas in two of the town's plazas. Even if you are not religious, the celebrations provide great insights into the Peruvian culture and are just amazing to observe. Don't forget your camera, and let yourself be transported into a whirl of colors!