Inti Raymi comes from Quechua and means translated "festival of the sun" (inti "sun", raymi "festival"). Until the Spanish conquest of Tahuantinsuyo, the "Inca Empire", religious ceremonies in honor of the sun god Inti were held annually at the winter solstice, on 6/21 in the southern hemisphere. The king and the nobility were celebrated as descendants of Inti, thanks were given for abundant harvest offerings or sacrifices were made to make the gods more benevolent for the next harvest.
According to legend, Inti had sent Mama Ocllo and Manco Capac to earth to lay the foundation for the future great empire of Inca culture by founding the city of Cusco. And according to the sources, it was Manco Capac who first organized a festival in honor of Inti. Inti, by the way, was considered the favorite son of Pachacamac, the highest god of the Quechua people.
Offerings were regularly made to the sun god and relics from the past testify to the splendor in which Inti was represented on earth. Sun temples, walls and statues decorated with gold, gold as far as the eye could see, sources report. The impressive buildings can still be seen today. But what happened to all that gold is a mystery to researchers. Some are convinced that the Incas sank large quantities of gold in Lake Titicaca when the Spaniards arrived, others explain the disappearance with the expensive ransom for the last Inca ruler Atahualpa, who filled a huge chamber with gold to regain his freedom; unfortunately, however, in vain.
The Inti Raymi, which is most comparable to our New Year, was banned by the Spanish in 1535, along with many other customs, because it was seen as a threat to the establishment of Spanish supremacy.
Today, Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24th, but during the Inca Empire, this ceremony coincided with the winter solstice, on June 21st, marking the beginning of the new Andean year.
According to chroniclers, in the times of the Tahuantinsuyo, thousands of people gathered on the esplanade of Haukaypata (current Plaza de Armas of Cusco) from the night before, devoutly awaiting the rising of the god Inti (the Sun) from behind the mountains. When his first rays appeared, the attendees offered prayers and gratitude for future harvests.
Established by Inca Pachacútec, Inti Raymi took place over nine days, from dawn to dusk. During these days, complex rituals were performed, including the sacrifice of black llamas. Using the tumi, a ceremonial knife, priests opened the animal to read its organs and thus predict the future. Finally, its remains were offered to the sun through a sacred bonfire.
After the conquest of the Tahuantinsuyo, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo ordered the prohibition of Inti Raymi, considering it a pagan rite incompatible with Catholic doctrine. Despite this, the festivity survived in hiding, as recounted by the mestizo chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
It was not until 1944 that the Cusco researcher Faustino Espinoza Navarro promoted its recovery, organizing a historical representation that marked the rebirth of this ancestral tradition. Since then, Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24 in Cusco and has become one of the greatest cultural and tourist attractions in Peru.
The Inca Empire extent about western South America in the 14th and opening 16th centuries. Inti Raymi is a once a year Inca festival celebrated in the Peruvian city of Cuzco each June. While the winter solstice is June 21 in the southern hemisphere, the Incas supposed that the sun continued in the identical place for three days, so the festival is celebrated on June 24, contemplated one of the shortest days of the year.
Throughout the Incan Empire time’s, Inti Raymi was the famous festival of the year. According to Inca ritual, the festival was established in 1412 by Pachacutec, the ninth and most important Incan Emperor who also constructed Machu Picchu citadel, to celebrate the Sun God inti which indicated the return of the sun, and the Incan New Year. The time was managed to celebrate the new year and to thank the Inca goddess Pachamama for an brilliant harvest.
The sacrifice of llamas during Inti Raymi was a highly ritualized process. The chosen llamas were adorned with colorful textiles and ornaments, and their ears were decorated with gold or silver plates. They were then taken to the Sun Temple's, where they were presented to the Inca emperor.
The emperor would then perform a ritual in which he would sprinkle the llama's blood on the ground as an offering to the gods. The llama's body was then prepared for a feast, where the meat was shared among the people.
Today, llama sacrifice is no longer a part of Inti Raymi Peru, as it is considered to be a cruel and unnecessary practice. Instead, the festival is celebrated with traditional dances and music, as well as a reenactment of the Inca Empire's historical ceremonies.
Yes, bonfires are lit during Inti Raymi as a part of the traditional celebrations. The bonfires are considered to be symbolic of the sun, and they are lit to honor Inti, the Incan sun god.
The bonfires also play a practical role in the festival, as they provide warmth during the cold winter nights in the Andes. Additionally, the smoke from the bonfires is believed to have purifying properties and is thought to cleanse the air of negative energies.
In general, bonfires are an important part of Inti Raymi and contribute to the festive and spiritual atmosphere of the celebration.
The center of Cuzco is closed for buses and cabs during the Cusco festivities. Cuzco's Plaza de Armas is fenced, so you'll have to go initial in the morning to evade the multitudes and obtain the excellent views. Better yet, reserve a place on one of the second-floor balconies of a neighboring bar or restaurant before days. The Saqsayhuman ruins, 60 minutes to walk from the city center, remain closed during the festival. The best zone are the exclusive ones in the principal stadium grandstand, but if you're on a reasonable price, head for the surrounding hills. Bring am sandwich and acquire there before 8 a.m. for the excellent views.
In Inca times, up to 50,000 people came to Cusco from all over the empire to take part in the celebrations, which lasted about 15 days.
During Inti Raymi, the festivities unfold through three distinct phases, each featuring Quechua songs, traditional dances, and vibrant characters adorned in attire reminiscent of the Inca era, such as the ñusta, coyas, pallas, and representatives from the four suyos. The climax arrives with the grand entrance of the Inca, borne aloft on a golden platform, escorted by the orejones, who bear the esteemed responsibility of carrying the Inca. Amidst the spectacle, women known as "acllas" are selected to serenade the Sun god and the Inca with melodic offerings, culminating in the Inca delivering a speech of gratitude to this age-old deity.
The ceremony begins in the gardens of the Coricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun. There, the Inca, accompanied by the Qoya and members of the nobility, pays homage to the god Inti and asks for prosperity for the Empire. At the same time, delegations from the four suyos arrive at the site, marking the union of all regions of the Tahuantinsuyo.
The Inca delivers a solemn speech in front of the temple, with an impressive staging:
“Oh, Inti, sacred father! Powerful Sun, source of life and eternal joy… From this your dwelling in Cusco, where you share your power with the Moon, the Lightning, and the Thunder…”
Although there is only one grandstand with seats, the place has ample areas where you can stand and observe the beginning of the festival. It is recommended to arrive early to find a good spot.
After the ceremony in Qoricancha, the Inca, accompanied by his royal court and the army of Tahuantinsuyo, solemnly processes through the streets of the city. Upon arriving at the Plaza de Armas, the Ñustas, the Aqllas, and the ceremonial troops await him to continue with the ritual. In this setting, the Inca performs the coca leaf ceremony and makes an invocation to the Apus, the sacred mountains of the Andes.
After the coca leaf ceremony, the entourage heads to the esplanade of the majestic Sacsayhuaman archaeological park. In this space, more than 80,000 people, along with some 3,500 tourists who purchased tickets for the official stands, gather to witness the central act of Inti Raymi.
It is here where the Inca, accompanied by his priests, performs the most solemn and symbolic rituals, surrounded by warriors, dancers, and musicians. This moment stands out for its visual and ceremonial power, being the culmination of the entire festival.
Many local spectators position themselves on the surrounding hills to observe the spectacle. If you want a prominent view of the event, it is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance, as seats are limited and assigned according to the order of purchase.
Tickets to enjoy Inti Raymi can be purchased through the official "Teleticket" platform. Prices vary depending on the location and type of grandstand you choose, so it is recommended to review the options in advance.
Prepare for a large crowd. Bring essentials for the day: water, snacks, sun protection, and something to cover yourself from the sun. Remember that arriving early guarantees you a better location.
After experiencing the magic of Inti Raymi, the most important celebration in the Andean calendar, many travelers want to continue exploring the cultural and natural richness of Cusco. The region offers a variety of ideal destinations to extend the adventure, combining history, impressive landscapes, and living traditions.
Among the most popular places to visit after Inti Raymi are:
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