- Every 24 June, the Inti Raymi transforms the city of Cusco, in Peru, into the epicentre of one of the most iconic and spectacular cultural celebrations in Latin America.
- Regarded as the most important festival of the ancient Inca Empire, the Festival of the Sun coincides with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere and pays homage to the god Inti, the supreme sun deity in Andean tradition.
Every year, the celebration brings together thousands of national and international visitors who travel to the ancient capital of Tahuantinsuyo to enjoy a unique experience combining history, spirituality, tradition and cultural heritage. The main ceremony takes place at three key historical sites:
- The Qorikancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, was one of the most important sacred sites in the Inca Empire. Dedicated to the worship of Inti, the Sun God, it became one of the main religious centres of the Tahuantinsuyo.
- The Plaza de Armas in Cusco was one of the main ceremonial, political and social spaces of the Tahuantinsuyo. Religious festivals, official ceremonies and large public gatherings were held there.
- Saqsaywaman is a monumental archaeological complex situated on the hills overlooking Cusco. Renowned for its impressive megalithic walls, it is also the main venue for the contemporary re-enactment of the Inti Raymi.
Throughout the day, hundreds of actors, musicians and dancers re-enact ancestral rituals, offerings, sacred ceremonies and traditions of the Inca Empire in a performance that brings the splendour of Andean civilisation back to life. The main ceremony, held at Saqsaywaman, consists of the following parts:
- The Dances of the Four Suyos represent the four regions of the Tahuantinsuyo (Collasuyo, Chinchaysuyo, Antisuyo and Contisuyo) through traditional dances, music and colourful costumes that symbolise the unity of the empire.
- During the Salute to the Sun, the Inca, accompanied by the Coya and his entourage, sings a sacred song in honour of the Sun God, marking the start of the main Inti Raymi ceremony.
- In the Sacrifice of the Llama, the high priest (Willaq Uma) performs a re-enactment of the ceremonial ritual involving a black llama in the presence of the Inca, whose entrails are interpreted as omens regarding the fate of Tahuantinsuyo. (The sacrifice is strictly symbolic; no harm comes to the animals.)
- In the Rite of the Chicha, the Inca offers chicha in a golden kero to the Sun God as a sign of respect, pouring part of the liquid down a ceremonial channel towards the Qoricancha and sharing the rest in a ritual toast.
- The Rite of the Sacred Fire involves kindling a fire, using the sun’s rays reflected off a gold bracelet placed on a bed of wool, symbolising the Sun’s energy and protection over the Inca and his people.
- In the Rite of the Sankhu (sacred bread), the priests present small corn breads which are blessed by the high priest and subsequently shared by the Inca and his entourage as a symbol of communion and prosperity.
Beyond the main day, Cusco enjoys a festive atmosphere throughout the week with parades, craft fairs, food stalls and cultural activities that make Inti Raymi a true immersion in Peruvian culture. As such, the celebration has established itself as one of the country’s major tourist attractions and a key date in Peru’s cultural calendar.
Source: NEWLINK Group