Inti Raymi

About

Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is a culturally significant event rooted in the traditions of the Inca Empire. It honors Inti, the revered Sun God, and marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Historically, the festival was celebrated over nine days, involving rituals, dances, and sacrifices to ensure a prosperous harvest. The festivities were a grand display of Inca culture, reinforcing the bond between the people and their deity. Today, Inti Raymi is celebrated annually on June 24 in Cusco, Peru. The modern festival is a theatrical reenactment of ancient rituals, featuring hundreds of artists in vibrant costumes. It includes processions from Qorikancha to Sacsayhuaman, where ceremonies and dances are performed. The event attracts thousands of visitors, blending cultural heritage with tourism. Inti Raymi symbolizes the renewal of life and the connection between humanity and nature, preserving the essence of Inca traditions.