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golden throne, Sapa Inca, flanked by high priests and other dignitaries, begins the procession toward fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

As the entourage proceed along the flower covered streets, the sound of music and prayers fill the air, accompanied by street dancing. Women can be seen sweeping the streets to rid them of evil spirits. At the fortress of C, onlookers watch with bated breaths as Sapa Inca ascends to the sacred alter. Above the crowd, Sapa Inca delivers the keynote speech, followed by speeches from the representatives of Suyos, which is the four corners of the earth, and priests.

The main attraction, the slaughter of a white Llama, is then carried out. It is a sacrifice to the Inti Rayma, to ensure that the earth remains fertile. Don't look now if you are queasy. The High Priest is holding up the bloody heart of the Llama, for the viewing pleasure of all and the blood stains are read by the priests to predict the Inca's future. The ceremony winds down as the sun sets. A straw fire blazes, encircled by dancers in honor of the Empire of the Four Winds Directions, and the procession heads back to Cusco, heralding the beginning of a new year.

Thousands of actors and a host of professionals, work tirelessly to stage one of the world's most majestic extravaganzas, the Inti Raymi festival. As you participate in this historic, well scripted re-inaction of a long ago rituals and customs, you can't help but feel transported to a different place in time, when the sun god ruled the earth.

Learn more about this author, Joan Schroeder.
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