The fabric of Peruvian society is woven out of threads of culture, intricately interwoven with threads of Catholicism. It is religion that provides texture to Peru’s vibrant traditions. These icons of faith capture the hopes of many Peruvians seeking divine intervention to realize their dreams and, many times, relieve their suffering. To be an Icon is to listen to those dreams, to hear many promises, to be visited and carried on the bent backs of devotees passing through reluctantly parting crowds of the faithful and the curious in the processions. Peru is also a place where religion is a part of everyday life. Every business and every office has a patron represented by an icon, even government offices. These ever present icons cross the countless multicolored threads of ancient and modern cultural traditions to form the multi-textured fabric that is Peru.
