The sound of horns, panpipes and drums fill the air. The vibrant colours are pleasing to the eye and there is an aura of festivity everywhere. The day is June 24 and the place is Cusco in Peru. Thousands of people from all over the world have gathered to witness the festival of Inti Raymi , also known as the Festival of the Sun.
As one of the most important religious celebrations for the Inca people unfolds, here is your festival guide.
Who
The Incas were an ancient civilisation in South America comprising ethnic Quechua people. With its capital in Cusco, Peru, the civilisation extended to parts of present-day Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and Colombia.
What
Inti Raymi translates to ‘sun festival’. In ancient times, it was a gathering to honour the Sun God, pray for good crops, and pay homage to the first born son of the Sun, the ‘Inca’. Today, the festival is a re-enactment of this tradition.
When
Inti Raymi was traditionally celebrated on the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. In modern times, the festival is held on June 24.
Why
During the winter solstice, the Sun is at its farthest distance from the Earth. The Incas would gather to implore the Sun to return, for longer and warmer days.
Where
The re-enactment of the festival plays out in the ancient site of Saksaywaman, two km from its original location in the heart of Cusco. With many vantage viewing points and even a grandstand seating in the arena of Saksaywaman, visitors throng the venues to catch a glimpse of the festivities.
How
In the past, the festivities included a parade of cloth-wrapped mummies, a sacrifice of llamas, special dances, a lavish feast and more. Today, the celebration retains the original grandeur of the festival, without mummies and sacrifices.
With its revival, the symbolic re-enactment of Inti Raymi has become a major tourist attraction and is an effort to keep an ancient tradition alive.
