13:42 | Cajamarca (Cajamarca region), Mar. 30.
The Porcon Bajo community, located 14 kilometers from the northern Andean city of Cajamarca, celebrated its traditional Festival of the Crosses on Sunday with participation from nearby communities and around 40 crosses decorated with mirrors, images of saints, rosemary, and palm leaves during a procession held in honor of Cristo de Ramos (Christ of the Palms).
From early morning, a large number of worshippers and tourists, both domestic and foreign, headed to the community to take part in the central Mass, presided over by Cajamarca Bishop Isaac Martinez at Cristo de Ramos parish.
For security reasons, the Peruvian National Police restricted traffic in this section of the Cajamarca–Bambamarca Highway.
Many young people, accompanied by their parents and other relatives, carried the heavy crosses, which weighed between 70 and 80 kilograms.
They came from communities such as Tartar, Otuzco, Baños del Inca, Cajamarca, La Esperanza, Plan Manzanas, Chilimpampa, Huambocancha, and Chaquisiniegas, among others.
The procession began at the home of Jhoni Infante Castrejon, who received the image of Cristo de Ramos in the hamlet of Plan Manzanas on the third Sunday of Lent, ahead of Palm Sunday.
With prayers, chants, and hymns, the faithful carried out the journey, which included steep stretches, until reaching Porcon Bajo.
During the procession of the crosses, "La Señorca," a small donkey carrying the image of Cristo de Ramos under a canopy, was also present.
Upon arrival at the parish, the crosses were placed around the main courtyard to receive Bishop Isaac Martinez's blessings after the Mass, which concluded shortly after noon.
The traditional Porcon festival, held on Palm Sunday, commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem in an act of faith, devotion, and hope, said mayordomo Jhoni Infante.
He signed up 10 years ago to assume the role, and his successors have already been designated through 2042.
Intangible heritage
The Festival of the Crosses of Porcon is an emblematic celebration for Cajamarca that must be strengthened, said Fernando Silva, Tourism and Culture Manager at the Provincial Municipality, highlighting the development of a comprehensive program to recover the intangible heritage of these valuable traditions.
In an interview with Andina News Agency, the official said Cajamarca has always been a reference point for the Catholic community since the colonial period.
"We are working to strengthen this important Festival of the Crosses, a mestizo expression that reflects syncretism, that is, the fusion of traditions and decorative elements that carry strong symbolic meaning," he stated.
The Porcon festival is a testament to the Christian commemoration of Palm Sunday, which recalls Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
"It is very important that we revalue this custom, which dates back to time immemorial. This festival should become an icon of what Christianity once was and, above all, an expression preserved in rural areas," Silva noted.
Lastly, the official emphasized that it is a strong movement within the Catholic community, expressed through a series of prior rituals, including novenas and prayers.
"As a local government, we have joined this festival. We have held a forum so the community can learn about this highly important expression of faith and culture," he pointed out.
(END) ELJ/MAO/MVB
Published: 3/30/2026