Virgen de Chapi - Festivals in Peru

Location: Chapi (Arequipa)

Date: May 1
Every year, thousands of pilgrims cross the desert from the city of
Arequipa to the sanctuary of Chapi to worship the image of the
Virgin of Purification, today known as the Virgen de Chapi.
In 1,790, the parish priest of Pocsi, Juan de Dios Jos Tamayo, tried
to move the small image to another community and failed,
reportedly because the statue suddenly became too heavy to move.
News of the miracle spread like wildfire, and today the faithful take
around 15 hours to walk 45 km through the night, leaning on rustic
walking staffs to reach the deserted spot located at 2,420 meters
above sea level.
Before the first stop, the pilgrims gather stones of varying sizes
which they will leave at Tres Cruces next to the road, forming the
so-called apachetas which symbolize the weariness and sins that the
faithful leave behind them.
The same thing occurs at Alto de Hornilla and then at Siete Toldos,
15 km from the spot, with countless candles flickering in the night.
The following day, in Chapi, the virgin is borne aloft in a procession
over carpets of flower petals. At night, next to the sanctuary,
pilgrims set off fireworks and sell foodstuffs.

11:42. Lima, Apr. 20. More than 200,000 pilgrims are expected to visit the Sanctuary of the Virgen de
Chapi, one of the most venerated statutes of the Virgin Mary in Peru and patron saint of the southern
Peruvian region of Arequipa.
Each year on May 1, thousands of pilgrims walk across the desert landscape between Arequipa and the
sanctuary, to worship the image of the Virgen of Purification, today known as the Virgen de Chapi.

The shrine is located in the district of Polobaya, which is two hours away from the city of Arequipa by
paved road, however many devotees prefer to visit the sanctuary on foot due to the great devotion they
have to the sacred image.

Last year, 180,000 people visited the image of the "Virgen de Chapi", which is well venerated by the local
people attributing to the virgin many miracles.

Pope John Paul II, also known as the "Pilgrim Pope" visited the city of Arequipa on February 2, 1985, and
canonically crowned the patron saint of Arequipa.

(END) RMC/JCR/DLG

Publicado: 20/04/2014



Virgen de Chapi Feast
May 1 to 15 - Workable
Religious Feast created by colonial muleteers in the town of Chapi, located 45 km. (28 miles) South of Arequipa. The image of "Virgen de
Chapi", is well venerated by the people of this area attributing to the virgin many miracles. Every year, thousands of pilgrims cross the
desert from the city of Arequipa to the sanctuary of Chapi to worship the image of the Virgin of Purification, today known as the Virgen de
Chapi. In 1790, the parish priest of Pocsi, Juan de Dios Jos Tamayo, tried to move the small image to another community and failed,
reportedly because the statue suddenly became too heavy to move. News of the miracle spread like wildfire, and today the faithful take
around 15 hours to walk 45 km through the night, leaning on rustic walking staffs to reach the deserted spot located at 2.420 meters
above sea level. Before the first stop, the pilgrims gather stones of varying sizes which they will leave at Tres Cruces next to the road,
forming the so-called apachetas which symbolize the weariness and sins that the faithful leave behind them. The same thing occurs at
Alto de Hornilla and then at Siete Toldos, 15 km from the spot, with countless candles flickering in the night. The following day, in Chapi,
the virgin is borne aloft in a procession over carpets of flower petals. At night, next to the sanctuary, pilgrims set off fi reworks and sell
foodstuffs.


Location: Chapi (Arequipa).
Date: May 01.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims cross the desert from the city ofArequipa to the sanctuary of Chapi to worship the image of
the Virgin of Purification, today known as the Virgen de Chapi.
In 1,790, the parish priest of Pocsi, Juan de Dios Jos Tamayo, tried to move the small image to another community and failed,
reportedly because the statue suddenly became too heavy to move. News of the miracle spread like wildfire, and today the faithful
take around 15 hours to walk 45 km through the night, leaning on rustic walking staffs to reach the deserted spot located at 2,420
m.a.s.l.
Before the first stop, the pilgrims gather stones of varying sizes which they will leave at Tres Cruces next to the road, forming the so-
called apachetas which symbolize the weariness and sins that the faithful leave behind them. The same thing occurs at Alto de
Hornilla and then at Siete Toldos, 15 km from the spot, with countless candles flickering in the night.
The following day, in Chapi, the virgin is borne aloft in a procession over carpets of flower petals. At night, next to the sanctuary,
pilgrims set off fireworks and sell foodstuffs.

Arequipa also fills up for this festival, celebrated on May 1 in the Yanahuara district.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/peru/arequipa-and-canyon-country/arequipa/events/religious-spiritual/fiesta-de-la-virgen-de-
chapi#ixzz35K9xbD4u
Virgen de Chapi - Arequipas Festivity
Virgen de Chapi - Arequipas Festivity Every year, thousands of pilgrims cross the desert from the city of
Arequipa to the sanctuary of Chapi to worship the image of the Virgin of Purification, currently known as the
Virgin of Chapi. In 1790, the parish priest of Pocsi, Juan de Dios Jos Tamayo, tried to move the small image to
another community and failed, reportedly because the statue suddenly became too heavy to move. News of
the miracle spread like wildfire, and today the faithful take around 15 hours to walk 45 km through the night,
leaning on rustic walking staffs to reach the deserted spot located at 2,420 meters above sea level. Before the
first stop, the pilgrims gather stones of varying sizes which they will leave at Tres Cruces next to the road,
forming the so-called apachetas which symbolize the weariness and sins that the faithful leave behind them.
The same thing occurs at Alto de Hornilla and then at Siete Toldos, 15 km from the spot, with countless candles
flickering in the night. The following day, in Chapi, the virgin is borne aloft in a procession over carpets of
flower petals. At night, next to the sanctuary, pilgrims set off fireworks and sell foodstuffs.






General Information Clothing: Regardless of the season and the area your are visiting, it is advisable to carry warm clothes, loose pants,
cotton tops, hiking footwear, good sunblock and a hat (to protect you from the sun and the cold). Safety: Don't let your personal
belongings out of your sight. Avoid using unofficial or unmarked taxis during the night. Avoid exchanging currency in the street or carrying
large sums of money. Currency exchange agencies are safe. Health In case of altitude sickness, rest well during the first days avoiding
physical strain; drink mate with coca leaves or take coca pills. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly in high altitude zones, using only bottled
or previously treated water. Purchase your food at restaurants, avoiding street food. Others Peru's electricity runs on 220 volts and 60
cycles (except for Arequipa where it is 50 cycles) There is no preestablished amount for gratuities, it depends on the customer's level of
satisfaction with the service. 10% of the check is usually considered adequate. - See more at: http://www.peru.travel/en-au/plan-your-
trip/travel-tips/year/2014.aspx#sthash.YIo4iEiI.dpuf

Where: Arequipa, Peru
When: Each May the 1rst
La Virgen de la Candelaria Virgen de Chapi Chapi or simply, is a Marian devotion in Peru,
Patroness of Arequipa. Her shrine pilgrimages to which thousands of devotees, is located
approximately 90 kilometers from the city of Arequipa in the desert place called Chapi located
on the border between the departments of Arequipa and Moquegua in the district belonging to
the department Polobaya Arequipa.
Their festivities are celebrated on February 2, Day of Purification, or Candlemas. However, his
followers have chosen May 1, when it begins the month dedicated to Mary, like the September
8, feast of the Nativity.
Traditional pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chapi about 76 km from Arequipa. Many devotees
arrive on foot. It is usual, the promise of coming 3 consecutive years to reach the Sanctuary
Muy buen staff, excelente servicio!!!!!!!!!!!!
birthday quotes says:
September 12, 2011 at 6:11 am
Regards for sharing Virgen de Chapi Festival | Pirwa Hostels Peru with us keep update bro love
your article about Virgen de Chapi Festival | Pirwa Hostels Peru .
montreal web design says:
September 13, 2011 at 8:49 am
I think this site holds some real superb info for everyone. In this world second thoughts, it
seems, are best. by Euripides.
chaos faction forum says:
September 15, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Very nice layout and excellent written content , nothing else we want : D.
Devin Cermeno says:
September 17, 2011 at 12:13 am
Hey there, i appreciate write-up. Im certainly also a article author but realize its challenging to
get the information out there. Nonetheless trying to work on search engine optimisation and
so forth. Ive subscribed and expect to check on your web site now and again
Funny Facebook Status says:
September 17, 2011 at 7:06 am
Appreciate it for sharing Virgen de Chapi Festival | Pirwa Hostels Peru with us keep update bro
love your article about Virgen de Chapi Festival | Pirwa Hostels Peru .
computer repair charlotte says:
June 21, 2012 at 5:48 am
Thanks for the great info.
Nam Gretzner says:
June 28, 2012 at 9:16 am
Some genuinely wonderful content on this website , thankyou for contribution.
Fernando says:
September 5, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Traveling alone no one else to complain and youre wide open to more experiences.This only
applies if youre strong enough to actually talk to others without them approaching you.Of
course there will be those that take first steps and talk to you but do yourself some good if
thats not normal for you and make the first move to meet people.Youll be amazed at how
many people out there are on their own as well.I spent 6 months traveling europe last year
with no plan.It rocked.I just got back from 2 months in Australia 1 day ago and had no plans
there either.I still made that work.Dont worry about seeing everything.Thats for the kids out
there that need to show off and dont understand quality over quantity.Go on holiday and
enjoy it.Figure out what you really *have* to see and go see it.I do it like this top 5 places.Pick
em out and go for it.Aim for the top 3 as must dos.maybe thats too simplified but really its
that simple ;)Life isnt a plan.Live it as such.Cheers.