Inty Raymi, or the Inca Festival of the Sun in the city of Cusco, is one of the largest theatrical representations held every June 24 each year.

Come and enjoy the incredible “Festival of the Sun,” Inti Raymi, a magical, traditional, and cultural event in Cusco! It is celebrated every June 24, a tradition that has been celebrated since March 2, 2001, when it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

1. What is Inty Raymi?

Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is an Inca religious celebration. The Incas worshiped their Sun god, known in Quechua as “Inti.”

In ancient times, Inti Raymi lasted about 15 days, during which sacrifices were made and dances were performed to worship the “Sun God.”

Today, Inti Raymi is a theatrical representation in which thousands of people from Cusco participate, while people from all over the world observe this event, which is one of the most important cultural and traditional manifestations of Cusco. This Inca celebration makes each one of us feel Inca blood running through our veins and encourages us to revalue our cultural past.

2. What does the Sun mean in Inti Raymi?

The Sun in Inti Raymi represents the greatest form of worship, the essence and source of life. It is the supreme god and one of the most important celestial bodies within the Andean world, and during this festival it marks the beginning of a new annual cycle. For this reason, offerings, temples, and other tributes were dedicated to the Sun, because it was the one who blessed them and therefore deserved respect and worship.

3. Inti Raymi during the time of the Incas:

According to chroniclers, during the time of the Incas, thousands of people gathered in Haukaypata (the present-day Main Square) on the night before the celebration to wait for the appearance of the god Inti. When the god rose between the mountains, the inhabitants gave thanks for the prosperous new harvest year. The Sapa Inca or emperor, the nobles, and the priests gathered to witness a parade. Ancestral mummies wrapped in fabrics were also brought from temples and sanctuaries.

The festival, which was established by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1435 A.D., lasted 15 days and was held from sunrise to sunset. Many black llamas were sacrificed and cut with a ceremonial knife known as a Tumi. Their organs were examined to predict the future and were then burned. Women were represented by the figure of the Coya or Empress and by the so-called “Acllas” or virgins of the Sun, who performed a series of rituals to accompany the ceremony.

After the Spanish conquest, Inti Raymi was prohibited by the Spanish viceroy Francisco de Toledo because it was considered a pagan ceremony and contrary to the Christian faith. It was not until 1944 that Faustino Espinoza Navarro recovered this traditional event and carried out a historical reconstruction. Since then, the festival has once again become public and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Although belief in this divinity has disappeared, it is still represented theatrically.

4. Inti Raymi today:

Today, Inti Raymi is celebrated every June 24 in the city of Cusco in all its splendor. The celebration of the festival begins in the morning at the esplanade of the Inca Temple of the Sun, “Coricancha.” While the representatives of Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu, and Chinchaysuyu (the four regions of the Sun) arrive, the Sapa Inca or emperor opens the festival. Then, the attendees continue a short distance to the Main Square to witness the Inti Raymi celebration, where they can observe the rituals accompanied and adorned with dances, the sounds of conch shells, and musical instruments.

The final part takes place at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, which used to be the Temple of Lightning. The Inca Emperor gives a speech praising the Sun before being carried by his entourage in a golden carriage to the temple of Sacsayhuaman. Inti Raymi brings together more than 60,000 attendees, especially foreigners from different parts of the world, and approximately 3,000 actors, including musicians and dancers who perform the different roles in the shows at Coricancha, the Main Square, and Sacsayhuaman.

Get in Peru travel agency recommends that you do not miss this magnificent opportunity to take part in the Inca Festival of the Sun, “Inti Raymi.” Here we leave you some important information to make your visit more positive:

• Secure your admission. – If you want to be comfortable, Inti Raymi is a festival where most people remain standing. Many people from Cusco and from outside the country bring a folding chair so they do not have to stand all the time.
• Be careful with the sun! – An Inti Raymi without sunshine has not yet been seen. This day has always been sunny, so you cannot forget sunscreen. It is recommended to apply it every 45 minutes. You should wear sunglasses and a cap or hat for greater protection, as well as appropriate clothing and a good pair of walking shoes, since Inti Raymi lasts at least 7 hours, so you should be prepared.
• Bring a hydrating drink. – Along the route, you will find businesses selling different types of food. They generally take advantage of the occasion and raise their prices, so it is better to be prepared and buy drinks and some snacks before leaving. This way, you can avoid problems and extra expenses.
• Be alert with your personal belongings. – Unwanted people are always on the lookout for victims. We recommend that you do not carry valuable items inside backpacks and/or handbags.

If you are interested in taking a tourist visit to the three different locations where this ceremony is celebrated, you can purchase your tickets with us at GET IN PERU travel agency. We will provide you with a professional guide who will explain the meaning of each ceremonial act, as well as reserve your preferred seats so you can have a privileged view and tourist transportation to travel between these three different locations.

Contact us by clicking the green WhatsApp button.