Inti Raymi

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The Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca religious celebration, the Incas worshipped their God: "El Inti or Sun". In ancient times the Inti Raymi lasted about 15 days, sacrifices were made and dances were performed to worship the "Sun God". The last Inti Raymi that took place with the presence of the Inca Emperor was in the year 1535; one year before "The Spanish Conquest" in 1536.

Currently the Inti Raymi is a theatrical representation, thousands of Cusqueños and people from all over the world come to this event that is one of the most important cultural and traditional manifestations in this part of the world. This Inca celebration makes each one of us feel the Inca blood running through our veins and revalue our past.

HISTORIA DEL INTI RAYMI

The "Inti Raymi" or "Festival of the Sun" was the largest, most important, spectacular and magnificent festival held in the times of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, which based its religion on the cult of the Sun. The "Inti Raymi" was created to worship the "Apu Inti" (Sun God) also known in certain sectors as "Apu P'unchau" (Day God).

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During the time of the conquest, the Inca's subjects continued celebrating the feast hidden from the Spanish authorities and a mestizo called "Garcilaso de la Vega" compiled the best of this feast and captured it in his famous work "Comentarios Reales" (Royal Commentaries).

The entrance of the Inca to the Plaza de Armas or to the esplanade of Saqsayhuaman was always presided by a group of "Acllas" who sprinkled flowers and in turn were accompanied by the "Pichaq", men who were in charge of scaring away with straw brooms the bad spirits that could be on the way. The Inca in all his outdoor performances was always accompanied by his "kumillo", or dwarf hunchback who carried the "Achiwa", a kind of umbrella or parasol made of colored feathers.

Another part of the celebration of the "Inti Raymi" consisted of the ceremony of the new fire. In this part of the ceremony the order of the Inca was fulfilled to extinguish the fire in all the stoves of Cusco and surroundings, with the purpose of lighting the new fire that was distributed from a bonfire to all the stoves of the city. This is because the cooks are experts not only in cooking but also in keeping the fire among the ashes.

Date:

Inti Raymi is celebrated every year on June 24 during the winter solstice, in other words, the beginning of the Andean New Year.

Schedule

HOME:

09:00 a.m. Temple of Qorikancha (Av. El Sol).

CEREMONY:

10:30 a.m. Hawqaypata Square (Main Square of Cusco). CENTRAL CEREMONY: 01:45 p.m.

CENTRAL CEREMONY:

01:45 p.m. Chukipampa - Sacsayhuaman Esplanade.

TRADITIONAL ROUTE OF INTI RAYMI

LOCATION OF GRANDSTANDS AT INTI RAYMI

5 REASONS FOR NOT MISSING INTI RAYMI

It is June 24 and Cusco is at its peak. It is the month when Cusco receives more tourists than the rest of the year. There is the opportunity to do much more, to meet people from different places and exchange experiences and anecdotes.
Every June 24, the day when the sun is at its most distant point from the earth and which also coincides with the winter solstice, the Inti Raymi or "feast of the Sun" is celebrated in Sacsayhuaman, of fundamental importance in the Inca period. It is the day that feels colder in Cusco, the weather in the morning is sunny. It is freezing weather, so it is always recommended to wear something warm for when night falls.
The representation of each of the artists is impeccable. "Nivardo Carrillo" is the name of the one who plays the Inca. All these actors and actresses are Cusqueños by birth and will be dressed in Inca costumes, mostly made of sheep wool, alpaca, etc.. Just as it was in Inca times.
Andean chants are heard in Quechua, adorations to the "Sun God". The ¨Acllas¨ women of singular beauty chosen to serve the Inca and the Sun God or Inti, are in charge of worshipping their god with sweet voices. The Inca speaks with the sun, also in Quechua, as in ancient times.
There are 3 places of great importance in the city of Cusco: The greeting to the sun, in the ancient Temple of Qorikancha, today the Convent of Santo Domingo. Then comes the meeting of two times, in the Haucaypata or Plaza Mayor, between the Inca and the current Mayor of Cusco. And finally the central ceremony takes place in the "Esplanade of Saqsayhuaman".
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the law N° 27431, dated March 3, 2001, recognizes that the "Inti Raymi" celebrated on June 24 of each year in the city of Cusco, Historical Capital of Peru, constitutes Cultural Patrimony of the Nation, Official Act and Main Ritual Ceremony of National Identity.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

If you want to be comfortable, the Inti Raymi is a party in which most people stand, many people from Cusco and outside the country take a stool with them so they don't stand all the time. In CuscoPeru.com we have a variety of tours, but as we talk about "Inti Raymi" we want your trip to be unforgettable, that's why we have organized a special tour for this festivity.
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How the sun burns! - We have not yet seen an Inti Raymi without the sun. This day was always sunny, so you can not forget to apply sunscreen, and not only to the face, it is better to all parts of your body that will be uncovered as the arms, neck, ears, etc.. Also, keep a sunscreen on hand, it is recommended to apply it every 45 minutes. In addition to this, you should wear sunglasses and a hat or cap; it is no news that ultraviolet rays are attacking us more and more.
Comfortable clothes - It is very likely that this day will be hot and wearing jackets would be a point against us. A good pair of sneakers to walk a lot, the Inti Raymi lasts at least 7 hours, so you should be prepared. The weather statistics indicate that it will be a sunny day, dress with something that does not make you feel cold or hot, your comfort comes first.
Take some hydrating drink with you - During the tour there are ladies selling different types of food, they usually take advantage of the fact that the tourist is desperate to buy something and raise the prices, it is better to be prepared, and buy drinks and some snacks before leaving, this way you will avoid problems and overspending.
Always watch out for personal belongings - Undesirable people are always on the lookout for victims, they are everywhere. They usually take advantage of the crowd to reach into pockets and / or backpacks. CuscoPeru.com recommends that you do not carry valuables in backpacks and / or purses. Remember: ¨Happy passengers are new friends¨.