This article addresses the mestizo concept of the deceased ’ s soul, through the study of masses, wakes and processions that take place in urban zones of Cusco (Peru). It focuses on the Puriq wayra hymn, meaning "wandering wind" in Quechua, an essential traditional religious song of the repertoire used to mark the death. As its title suggest, Puriq wayra refers to the moving character of the spirit after death. The lyrics of this hymn evoke the animu, an important concept that describes the vital force that animates people. This analysis is based on field observations made since 1981, mainly in the city of Cusco. It combines a reflexive and anthropological perspective on the musical tributes made in the Cusco cathedral and the cemetery of Almudena, one of the city ’ s popular mestizo neighborhoods.