Crypto-Jews in Catholic Lima: A Peruvian Secret

Jews have been living in Lima since the 1500’s, first arriving as refugees of the Spanish Inquisition. Many converted to Christianity to hide their religion, and today their descendants abound in Peru. We will explore the lives and tragic deaths of some of these Crypto-Jews, executed in the main square of Lima, and look at some of the traditions practiced in this Catholic country that find their roots in Judaism (like not eating pork and lighting candles on Friday night). Let our engaging guide, Vanessa, walk us through some important sites of Jewish history and reveal this little-known aspect of the Peruvian narrative.