Maundy Thursday is a highly revered Christian holiday in Peru that is celebrated annually on the Thursday before Easter. It is called 'Jueves Santo' in Spanish and is considered a public holiday throughout the country. The day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and the institution of the Eucharist – the ritual of Holy Communion, where bread and wine are shared to signify the body and blood of Jesus, according to the New Testament of the Bible.
In Peru, Maundy Thursday is marked by several religious observances and is full of tradition. The day commences with a mass celebrated in the churches, some of which recreate the Last Supper with locals and tourists alike participating. In addition to the Eucharist, there is also the ceremony of the Seven Visits, a custom in which the faithful visit seven different churches to pray and pay respects, each representing one of the seven places Jesus was taken to during his Passion.
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Peru's Maundy Thursday celebration is the preparation of '12 Dishes'. This feast is a nod to the Last Supper and features 12 different dishes, often including traditional Andean ingredients and family recipes. In cities like Cusco, the day turns into a grand spectacle with colorful processions, music, and dance. The holiday serves not only as a solemn remembrance of Jesus Christs' Last Supper, but it's also a time for Peruvian families to come together and share in their culture's rich traditions.