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The Inti Raymi: Festival of the Sun is the second largest annual celebration held in South America. People swarm to Peru for this event during every winter solstice. Vibrant colors, traditional flute music, and waves of energy fill Cusco. Small girls line up for choreographed dances in the streets. Weathered men perform for eager onlookers. The spirit of South America is everywhere; you can hear it in the melodies, and feel it in your bones.

Ancient Origins

The sun is farthest from Earth during the winter solstice each year. The Ancient Incas were worshippers of the Sun, and fearing the loss of their God, they held the Inti Raymi. The Sun-God provided warmth and sunlight to help their crops flourish. They believed their very survival depended on keeping 'him' around. The Inca traditionally fasted for days prior to the event, abstained from worldly pleasures, offered gifts to each other, and sacrificed llamas - at least until 1542. Then it was outlawed by Catholic Spaniard Viceroy Toledo, who was against Paganism.

Modern Resurrection

The Inti Raymi was finally resurrected in 1944 by Faustino Espinoza Navarro and local actors, This theatrical recreation was based on the works of Garcilaso de la Vega, and the Festival of the Sun has been held every year since. Though the official day of Inti Raymi is June 24th, the festival lasts seven days - the grandest New Year celebration in South America. Expositions, Peruvian fairs, free concerts by local musicians, the foods of Cusco, and hypnotic performances draw visitors by the hundreds of thousands. Everyone eagerly awaits the main events.

June 24th Events

The elaborate main events of Inti Raymi are always held on June 24th. The 'Sapa Inca' begins by chanting, standing atop the Qorikancha, which was built over the Temple of the Sun. The actor is then carried - upon a golden throne - to an altar in Sacsayhuaman. He and others from his grand procession offer dramatic speeches to all who can hear. An ersatz llama sacrifice takes place afterward, and you'd never know it was just part of the show - especially when the high priest pulls the llama's heart from its chest. Believe it or not, that's just the beginning.

Planning Ahead

Guests need to prepare early for the Inti Raymi. Even people who book 6 months in advance might have trouble finding lodging that suits their needs. While planning ahead, remember that you can reserve seats; the Inti Raymi begins in the morning and ends after dark! On the other hand, you should have absolutely no trouble finding remarkable restaurants, and the foreign culture will be nothing short of intoxicating. So long as you're careful not to topple down the ruins, the Inti Raymi: Festival of the Sun will forever hold a special place in your heart.

Learn more about this author, Shannon Beineke.
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