The Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is dedicated to the god Inti and represents the winter solstice celebration. This festival is held on June 24th and attracts many visitors, including both locals and foreign tourists, as it is considered the most important festival in Cusco.
Origins of Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi was one of the most important religious ceremonies of the Inca Empire. The celebration took place in the Haukaypata - the main square of the city. The holiday was an equivalent of New Year in the Andes of the Southern Hemisphere. The ceremony also indicated the mythical origin of the Inca people. It lasted for 9 days and featured traditional dances and religious processions, and of course animal sacrifices to thank gods and to ensure a good harvest. According to some accounts, the first Inti Raymi was held in 1412. It was held with the presence of Inca Emperor until 1535 when it became banned by the Catholic Church.
Modern Celebrations
Nowadays, Inti Raymi consists of elaborate reenactments of traditional rituals, including the Chicha ritual, which entails drinking fermented drink chicha and performing customary dances. The festival's highlight is carrying the main Inca on a golden throne, accompanied by soulful music. The purpose of the sacred fire ritual is to cleanse and ask the Sun God for light and warmth. Among other customs, you'll be able to witness a lama's sacrifice ceremony (but no animals are used in the reenactment) and sankhu reading, Most of the participants of the ceremony wear traditional red clothing and headwear.
Inti Raymi Schedule
The ceremony usually starts at 9 am and continues on the streets, where people dance, sing, pray, and throw flowers. Ahead of the crowd are priests dressed in wild animal costumes, who lead the ceremony to the Sacsayhuaman, where it ends at 2 pm. Prior to Saqsaywaman, Inti Raymi is also celebrated at the Qorikancha temple and Plaza de Armas.
