Cusco is getting ready for the Inti Raymi

Each June in Cusco, the ancient traditions of the Inca Empire come alive during the Inti Raymi Festival. This vibrant celebration, known as the Festival of the Sun, honors Inti, the Inca sun god, and marks the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere.

Next Monday, June 24th, the Inti Raimy celebration will fill the streets of Cusco with a joyous spirit:

The day begins with a ceremonial procession led by the Inca, portrayed by an actor chosen to embody the role with the utmost reverence. Dressed in elaborate traditional costumes, he leads the procession from the Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun in Cusco, to Sacsayhuamán. Along the way, participants sing, dance, and play traditional Andean instruments, creating a captivating atmosphere of devotion and cultural pride.

Once at Sacsayhuamán, the ceremony culminates with prayers and offerings to Inti. Priests perform sacred rituals, invoking blessings for the coming harvest and honoring the life-giving energy of the sun.

Inti Raymi is a celebration of the sun and a testament to the resilience of Inca culture and its enduring influence in modern-day Peru. It serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual connection the Inca people had with nature and the cosmos, a connection that continues to resonate with visitors who come to witness this remarkable cultural heritage.

With this event, Cusco concludes a month of activities that began in the last days of May and has kept the city in a colorful spirit with various events and parades.

Book your next trip to Cusco with #QN and enjoy more experiences like this!