Maundy Thursday in Peru

Meaning and legal status

In Christian liturgy, the evening of Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, which continues through the observances of Jesus’ death and resurrection.[2]

Peru’s Legislative Decree No. 713 lists Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as movable public holidays. It gives workers covered by the private-sector labor regime a right to paid rest on listed holidays. The law says these two days are observed on their respective dates; its Monday-transfer rule applies to other listed holidays.[1]

How people observe the day

A well-documented custom is the visit to seven churches. In Piura, the regional tourism authority describes it as a way to remember the Passion of Jesus, with each church recalling moments from the Last Supper through the crucifixion and resurrection. The authority names the Basilica Cathedral of San Miguel Arcángel, San Francisco Church and Nuestra Señora del Carmen among Piura’s notable temples.[3]

The practice is not the only form Maundy Thursday takes across Peru. The Ministry of Culture describes a Jauja Valley tradition in Junín: La Maqtada, or Tropa de Cáceres, is performed on the day in a parade combining religious, patriotic and folkloric elements. Andrés Avelino Cáceres is represented symbolically as “Tayta Cáceres.”[4]

In Ayacucho, Maundy Thursday is associated with visits to the city’s seven temples rather than processions, according to the Ministry of Culture’s account of the region’s recognized Holy Week celebrations. These examples show regional differences; they do not establish that every community follows the same customs.[5]

Work, services and travel

The public-holiday status does not mean every workplace closes. SUNAFIL says workers in both public and private sectors are entitled to rest and their usual pay, while some services continue operating. Its examples include supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, restaurants, hotels and interprovincial transport. For private-sector employees who work the holiday without a substitute rest day, the agency says a 100% surcharge applies to the work performed.[6]

Church visits are part of Maundy Thursday observances. DIRCETUR Piura also promotes the region’s beaches and tourism during Holy Week, but operating hours and transport arrangements can vary by place and provider. Check directly with offices, businesses, transport companies and churches before making plans.[3][6]