The Sun has always been a very important element, especially in older civilizations. The presence of the sun indicates the success of agriculture, a vital element for ancient civilizations. Thus, it is not for nothing that the sun was the most important God of different civilizations around the world. The Festival of the Sun, in Peru, indicates this relevance of the solar star.
This festival has been held in the month of June since the times of the Incas. It is a thanksgiving to the Sun God and prayers are made for better days. In order to make your trip easier and make your experience more memorable, we made this article.
Follow up!
Festival of the Sun In Peru: Top Tips
We will now talk about the main tips to enjoy this festival:
- Why In June;
- The Staging Places;
- How to watch Inti Raymi;
- Other Festivities in Peru.
Why In June
The sun was going down and the cold was getting wors. So they had to ask the sun to come back. So that at the dawn of morning twilight it wouldn’t move north. Finally, they had to pay homage to Deus Inti, the eternity and soothsaid surrender of their children, with submission and respect.
So, more than six centuries ago, the Inca Pachacutec instituted the Festival to the Sun God. But its contemporary version has been taking place since June 24, 1944. When the festivities were instituted in the city in memory of its millenary origin and cradle of the great Inca civilization.
The Staging Places
On April 24, the festival in honor of the Sun God is held in the presence of the Inca, the Willaq Once a Priest, or High Priest, the Tarpuntay, the Wirepirikuq and the Kallparikuy, just like the Junes and representatives of the Inca generations, to which use three incredible historical and natural settings:
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) – 9:00 am: The Inca Pachacuteq gives the order to begin the great ceremony of offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Sun. The Willaq Uma, amid prayers and offering hymns in Quechua (Inca language), offers the Sun the “mullu”, made up of replicas of small sculptures, beautiful works of art clad in gold, silver, bronze, stone and sea shells. . Then the Inca Pachacuteq orders the transfer of his entourage to the Plaza de Armas.
Plaza de Armas (former Huacaypata or Plaza del Guerrero) – 10:00 am: During the Inca period, the Inti Raymi ceremony took place on the large stage or ceremonial platform, located in the middle of the current Plaza de Armas. In the current version, the “Rito da Coca” and the “Meeting of the Times” take place, between the Inca and the mayor of the city.
Saqsaywaman (Quechua word which in Spanish translates as “place where the falcon is satiated”) – 1:30 pm: At Chukipampa, on the esplanade of this impressive archaeological site built at 3,555 meters above sea level, the contemporary ceremony of the Inti Raymi takes place with the following phases:
How to watch Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi’s acts at Qorikancha and Plaza de Armas are open to the general public. Thus, It is recommended to go early to get a seat with a better view. Entrance and location to the stands installed on the esplanade of Sacsaywuaman is by purchasing or pre-booking numbered tickets.
Other Festivities in Peru
In addition to Inti Raymi, the Cusco Festivities include the Civic Parade, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, Carnival, Holy Week, the Celebration of the Velakuy Cross (Holy Cross), Chiriuchu (a gastronomic preparation for Corpus Christi) and the Corpus Christi (Catholic Feast).
Other parties delight Peruvians and their visitors in various destinations in Peru. In addition to the June festivities in Cusco, there is the Marinera Festival in Trujillo (La Libertad), held in January; in February.
Therefore, the Festival of the Sun in Peru is an attraction that you must know! Take the opportunity to discover other attractions in the country, such as Machu Pichu!
Here you will find some accommodations with promotions! Enjoy!
