Inti Raymi: The celebration of the sun in the Peruvian Andes

Inti Raymi, which means " Feast of the Sun " in Quechua, is one of the most emblematic and ancient festivities in Peru . This ancient celebration pays homage to Inti, the sun god of the Incas, and commemorates the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere.

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History of Inti Raymi

The Inti Raymi has its roots in the Inca civilization, which flourished in the Andean region of Peru between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Incas worshiped the sun as a supremely powerful deity and considered Inti as the father of all things. The Inti Raymi was a religious and festive ceremony that took place annually in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

The celebration of Inti Raymi

Previous preparations and rituals: The Inti Raymi celebration begins long before the central day. Ceremonial and ritual preparations are made in the previous days, including the purification of the sacred spaces, the clothing of the priests and the organization of the processions.

Main ceremony in Sacsayhuamán: The central day of Inti Raymi, June 24, thousands of people gather on the esplanade of Sacsayhuamán, an imposing fortress located on the outskirts of Cusco . The ceremony is directed by an actor who personifies the Inca, who makes offerings to the sun and the apus (spirits of the mountains) while the Inca priests perform ancestral rituals .

Dances and processions: During the celebration, various dances and processions are performed that represent different aspects of the Inca culture. Participants dress in colorful traditional costumes and perform symbolic choreographies that evoke the connection between humanity and nature .

Additional festivities: In addition to the main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán , Inti Raymi is celebrated with additional festivities throughout Cusco. These include parades, live music, craft fairs, and cultural events that highlight the region's rich cultural heritage.

Inti Raymi is celebrated on June 24 of each year. This date coincides with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere and marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle for the Incas. During the solstice , the sun reaches its furthest point from the equator and marks the start of the planting season in the Andes.

Importance of Inti Raymi

The Inti Raymi is a festivity of great importance for the Peruvian people, since it represents a deep connection with their ancestral past and their worldview. The celebration of Inti Raymi allows to keep alive the memory of the Inca civilization and its wisdom, in addition to strengthening the cultural identity of the Cusco region. It also attracts tourists from all over the world who want to witness and participate in this unique and momentous festivity.

The Inti Raymi is a unique cultural experience that allows Peruvians and visitors from all over the world to appreciate and value the rich heritage of the ancient Incas. It is a celebration that highlights the importance of the sun as a source of life and rebirth, and that continues to be a living testimony to the greatness of the Inca civilization.