Inti Raymi Festival, celebrating the Inca New Year in Cusco, Peru

The Inti Raymi, historically the most important festival in the Inca lands (Tahuantinsuyo), drew about 25,000 attendees during its 15-day celebration in the 15th century. Today, it is considered the second most significant festival in South America, after Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival.

Every June 24, the Inti Raymi, or “Festival of the Sun,” venerates the Sun God, the most revered deity in the Inca religion. The Inca emperor and Cusco nobility were considered direct descendants of the Sun, attributing their existence to this celestial body and offering sacrifices and tributes in gratitude.

Historical Background

Established by Pachacutec, the first Inca, in 1430 A.D., the Inti Raymi marked the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere, signifying the first day of the New Year in the Inca calendar. This day is the shortest of the year, with the Sun at its farthest point from the Earth.

In 1572, Spanish Viceroy Francisco de Toledo prohibited the Inti Raymi, deeming it a pagan ceremony contrary to Catholic beliefs. The festival continued secretly for about 400 years, though without the grandeur of the past due to the absence of the Inca emperor. In 1944, Peruvian writer Faustino Espinoza Navarro revived this unique celebration, promoting Inca and Quechua customs.

Modern-Day Celebration

Today, the Inti Raymi is a theatrical representation filled with mysticism and spirituality. Thousands of national and international tourists visit Cusco to participate in cultural activities and experience this day dedicated to preserving the Inca legacy.

Approximately 700 people, including actors, dancers, and musicians, don typical clothing and perform dances, rituals, and praises at significant locations such as the Qorikancha complex, Sacsayhuamán fortress, and the Plaza de Armas. The celebration symbolizes the triumphant return of the Sun on the shortest day and longest night, renewing nature and sparking joy and festivities. The Inca emperor and his entourage honor the Sun with prayers in Quechua and simulate a sacrifice, allowing a shaman to predict the prosperity and well-being of the coming year.

The Inti Raymi is celebrated not only in Cusco but also in various Andean regions, including Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, northern Argentina, and Colombia.

Tips for Attending the Inti Raymi Festival

Tickets and Reservations:

• Secure tickets and hotel reservations well in advance due to high demand from international travelers.

Altitude Sickness:

• To prevent altitude sickness, drink coca leaf tea, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and walk slowly. Consult a doctor for medication specifically for altitude sickness if needed.

Weather Preparation:

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water. Despite the dry season, the altitude makes the sun feel intense.
• Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

By following these tips, attendees can fully enjoy the vibrant and culturally rich Inti Raymi festival.