Inti Raymi

About

Inti Raymi is an ancient Incan festival celebrated annually in Peru, primarily in Cusco, to honor the sun god, Inti. This festival marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, symbolizing the Inca New Year and the beginning of longer days. Originally lasting nine days, it included rituals, sacrifices, music, and dance, emphasizing the sun's role in agriculture and life. The festival was suppressed after the Spanish conquest but was revived in 1944 as a reenactment of Inca traditions. Today, Inti Raymi is a vibrant cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors. It begins at Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, and proceeds to the Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán. The festival features traditional dances, music, and costumes, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire. While it has evolved into a theatrical representation, it retains its spiritual significance and cultural authenticity, celebrating the unity and renewal associated with the sun's return.