The Feast of the Cross of Motupe - Chiclayo

ITINERARY

It is celebrated in the district of Motupe located 90 km north of Chiclayo, the first week of August. From the village there are almost 10 km to the Chalpón hill which you have to ascend in a difficult crossing. It is at the top of the hill where a cavern is located where the miraculous cross is located.

The history goes back to the year 1860, it is a Franciscan religious Juan Abad, called "the hermit" who was the one who officiated the mass in the town. This character, unlike the other Priests, was isolated at the top of a hill where he carved a cross in guayacan wood. However, something happened and "the hermit" never returned, probably had retired to Lima to die, because it was said that he had contracted the uta in the mountains. Before disappearing he had said that he had placed three crosses on three hills near the town.

People considering that these crosses should be miraculous began to look for them. Until on August 5, 1868, José Mercedes Anteparra, a young man of 22 years old, found the cross on Chalpón hill. All the people climbed the hill to bring the cross to the town of Motupe. Of the other crosses, its location is not known, it is known that they were placed on the Penachi and Rajado hills.

Every year Motupe dresses up to celebrate this event. The celebrations begin on August 3 when the cross is taken down by a crowd of faithful. The procession is effusive and the arrival to the town on August 4, apotheosis.

The main day is August 5, the cross runs in procession through the town, ending in the square with a party accompanied by fireworks. On the 6th the cross is returned to Cerro Chalpón.