Amid hard times characterized by Coastal El Niño phenomenon, people from northern Catacaos district expressed their straight Catholic faith during Palm Sunday celebrations, which marked the beginning of Holy Week in Peru.
Local Virgen Del Carmen Chapel opened its doors at 6:00 AM for devotees to receive fresh olive leaves previously blessed by the local priest.
Said believers gathered outside the building since the wee hours of the day.
People made two lines —resembling a corridor— along local Trujillo Street leading to Catacaos Main Square and San Juan Bautista Church. The latter became the final destination for pilgrimage and stage for Palm Sunday's main mass ceremony.
People of all ages and social segments joined the priest, as well as acolytes and butlers. All of them sang melodies about Jesus' triumphant entry to Jerusalem.
Played by a music band, tunes complemented the religious atmosphere dating back to Spanish conquerors' times in the 16th Century.
On the occasion, San Juan Bautista Church became the epicenter of celebrations by sheltering thousands of believers, whose tribute to the Lord was expressed by solemnly greeting priest Manuel's entry.
Built in 1547, the church was Catacaos' first temple and has become the main praying house in said district known as the most religious-driven area in Piura.
During the ceremony, the preacher addressed Christ's triumphant entry to the city that would see his suffering, crucifixion and resurrection.
The reverend also urged attendees to strengthen their faith in God knowing the hard times said area goes through as result of natural disasters. The Andean nation is currently at the mercy of heavy rains, river overflowing, landslides and floods.
Once the service came to an end, the priest —once again— blessed the olive leaves.
After leaving the temple, citizens joined a procession through the district's streets.