The Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca religious celebration dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, “El Inti.” In the past, this grand festival lasted around 15 days, featuring sacrifices and dances to honor the Sun God. The last Inti Raymi attended by the Inca Emperor occurred in 1535, just one year before the Spanish Conquest in 1536.

Today, the Inti Raymi has transformed into a vibrant theatrical representation. Thousands of locals and visitors from around the world gather for this cultural spectacle, one of the most significant traditional events in the Andean region. This celebration awakens the Inca spirit within us, honoring our rich heritage and reaffirming our connection to the past.

Inti Raymi Festival

HISTORY OF INTI RAYMI

The “Inti Raymi” or “Festival of the Sun” was the grandest and most magnificent festival during the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. It was created to honor the Sun God “Apu Inti” (also called “Apu P’unchau” or Day God), and it was the cornerstone of their religious practices, highlighting the deep reverence the Incas had for the Sun.

Drone View of Inti Raymi
Coya at the Plaza de Armas
Dance at Sacsayhuaman
Inca Army during Inti Raymi
Sun Worship Ceremony
Traditional Rituals of Inti Raymi
Ancient Inca Ceremonial Practices
Inca Ceremonies at Inti Raymi
Ceremony in Sacsayhuaman
Inti Raymi Celebration

During the Spanish conquest, the Inca subjects continued to secretly celebrate the feast. The mestizo Garcilaso de la Vega later recorded the event’s significance in his work “Comentarios Reales” (Royal Commentaries), preserving its memory.

The entrance of the Inca to the Plaza de Armas or the Saqsayhuaman esplanade was always accompanied by a group of “Acllas” who scattered flowers and followed by “Pichaq” men, who used straw brooms to ward off any bad spirits along the path. The Inca was also accompanied by a “kumillo” (dwarf hunchback) who carried the “Achiwa,” a feathered parasol.

Another vital part of the Inti Raymi was the “new fire” ceremony. At the Inca’s command, all the stoves in Cusco and surrounding areas were extinguished, and the new fire was lit from a communal bonfire and shared across the city. The Inca believed in the spiritual importance of the fire, a symbol of life and vitality.

DATE:

Inti Raymi is celebrated annually on June 24, marking the winter solstice and the beginning of the Andean New Year.

Inti Raymi Festival Parade

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.

TRADITIONS & ACTIVITIES

In addition to the main ceremonial events, Inti Raymi features traditional dances, music, and reenactments of ancient Inca customs. The festivities extend throughout the day, providing a captivating experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Inti Raymi is a celebration not only of the Sun but of the enduring spirit of the Andean people. It’s a chance to reconnect with the rich cultural heritage that shaped the Inca civilization and still influences the region today.