Every year, the town of Ollantaytambo in Peru’s Sacred Valley comes alive with music, dance, processions, and devotion during the Festival of Señor de Choquekillka — one of the most important celebrations for local families in the region.

Blending Catholic faith with ancient Andean beliefs, the festival is a living expression of cultural syncretism in the Andes. In 2007, it was declared part of Peru’s National Cultural Heritage due to its deep historical and cultural significance.

The name Choquekillka comes from Quechua: Chuqi can refer to gold or something sacred and radiant, while Killka means inscription or sign — often interpreted as “the sacred mark” or “the shining sign.”

The Origin of Señor de Choquekillka  

According to local oral tradition, a mysterious cross once appeared floating in the waters of the Vilcanota River, known in Quechua as the Willkamayu, or “sacred river.” The apparition was seen near Choquekillkayoc, a place long considered a huaka, or sacred site, by Andean communities.

A muleteer named Román Ontón tried to approach the glowing cross, falling into the river and nearly losing his life. That same night, he dreamt that the cross wished to remain in that sacred place. From that moment on, devotion to Señor de Choquekillka began, and today the figure continues to be considered a spiritual protector of Ollantaytambo.

How the Festival Is Celebrated 

The Festival of Señor de Choquekillka takes place during Pentecost, 50 days after Easter, usually between May and June in Peru’s Sacred Valley. While preparations for the festival span weeks, the festival takes place principally for four days over Pentecost. 

Preparations begin weeks earlier with the novenarias: nine days of masses, prayers, music, and gatherings where the community prepares spiritually for the celebration. During these nights, the festival’s traditional dance groups perform before the sacred image without masks or full costumes, presenting themselves simply as devotees before the public festivities begin.

The Festival of Señor de Choquekillka includes 17 traditional dance groups, many of them considered native to the Cusco region and others originating specifically from Ollantaytambo.

Entrada: Saturday, the Official Beginning of the Festival 

The central days of the festival begin with the Entrada on Saturday, when Ollantaytambo fills with music, fireworks, floral carpets, and traditional dance groups known as comparsas. Wearing elaborate costumes and accompanied by live bands, the dancers officially enter the Main Plaza in one of the celebration’s most anticipated moments. On Saturday, the statue of the Senor is carried across town to the church, where dancers will pray and honor the Señor de Choquekillca throughout the festival. 

Throughout the night, dancing, music,celebrations and fireworks continue until dawn.

Photo credit: Ollantaytambo District Municipality

Día Central: Sunday, the Main Day of Señor de Choquekillka

The Día Central begins before sunrise with the Albazo General, a pre-dawn musical procession through the streets of Ollantaytambo with drums, cymbals, fireworks, and dance groups celebrating the main day of the festival.

Later, the Central Mass and the main procession bring together families, dancers, and visitors from across the Sacred Valley. The image of Señor de Choquekillka is carried through town accompanied by the dancing comparsas, filling the streets with music, devotion, and color.

Traditional ceremonies also take place during this day, including the entrega de cargos, when families known as carguyoqs, responsible for hosting the dance groups and their families throughout the festival, passthis responsibility to the next family that will host the following year. Being a carguyoq is a very meaningful responsibility, and anan act of faith and commitment to the community.

On Monday, each dance group dances through town, visiting each others’ cargos, paying their respects and giving their thanks. 

Kacharpariy: Tuesday, the Farewell 

The festival concludes with the Kacharpariy, a Quechua word meaning “farewell” or “until we meet again.” This takes place on Tuesday. There is food and music across the river from Ollantaytambo, and then a procession back to town in which dance groups accompany Señor de Choquekillka one last time before the statue returns to its chapel.

Farewell songs, rituals, blessings, and final processions fill Ollantaytambo with both celebration and nostalgia until fireworks announce the official close of the festival — until the following year.