Inti Raymi - 24th June

Inti Raymi dates back to Inca times. It was one of the most important festivals and still is today. The festival is held on 24th June, close to the winter solstice and honours the Sun God (’Inti’). This is an important time in the agricultural calendar as it is when the crops are harvested. During the festival thanks is given to the sun god, and the people pray for him to return to ensure good crops for the coming year. Traditionally a white llama was sacrificed and the blood allowed to flow into the earth. Nowadays this is acted out rather than a llama actually being sacrificed.

In the days before and after Inti Raymi there are many other parades, concerts and dancing. People come from all over Peru, South America and beyond and it is one of the liveliest times of the year in Cusco.

On 24th June the ceremony begins in the grounds of Koricancha, which was the most important Sun Temple in Inca times. After a speech from the Sapa Inca, he is carried on a replica golden throne up to the site of Sacsayuaman, high above the city of Cusco. Following the Inca are court officials, nobles, priests and servants all dressed in elaborate clothes with silver and gold adornments. Ahead of the procession women sweep the streets to clear away evil spirits. The ceremony continues at Sacsayuaman for abour 4 hours. There are more , speeches and the re-enactment of the Llama sacrifice to ensure the fertility of the earth and successful crops for the next year.

At sunset bales of straw are set alight and there are people dancing around them to honour the empire. Then there is a procession back to Cusco with Sapa Inca and Mama Occla being carried ahead of the crowds, blessing the people as they go.

It is possible to see the procession and the Koricancha ceremony without needing a ticket.  However to really get a full picture of Inti Raymi we suggest a day with a local guide who can explain the many aspects of the ceremonies and traditions.  Tickets are sold for a seat in the audience at Sacsayuaman.