Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi

The Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca religious celebration, as we all know the Incas worshiped their god: the God Inti or Sun in its translation into Spanish. Formerly the Inti Raymi lasted about 15 days; People made sacrifices and presented dances to worship the sun god. The last Inti Raymi held with the presence of Emperor Inca was in the year 1535, a year before the Spanish conquest, but it was the Spanish invasion in 1536.

Currently, the Inti Raymi is a theatrical performance, thousands of people from Cusco and from all over the world come together to this event which is one of the most important cultural and traditional events in this part of the world. This Inca celebration makes each Peruvian feel the Inca blood flow through their veins and revalue their Inca past.

HISTORY

The "Inti Raymi" or "Fiesta del Sol" was the biggest, most important, spectacular and magnificent feast carried out at the time of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, which based its religion on the cult of the Sun festival. The Inti Raymi was made to worship the "Apu Inti" (Sun God) also known in some quarters as "Apu P'unchau" (God Day). The subjects of the Inca continued celebrating the feast hidden from the Spanish authorities, and a mongrel named Garcilaso de la Vega collected in his famous Royal Commentaries, descriptions of this unique and incomparable party.

The subjects of the Inca continued celebrating the feast hidden from the Spanish authorities, and a mongrel named Garcilaso de la Vega collected in his famous Royal Commentaries, descriptions of this unique and incomparable party.

The entrance of the Inca to the Main Square or the Esplanade of Sacsayhuaman was always presided over by a group of "acllas" that sprinkled flowers and accompanied by Pichaq men who were responsible for scaring with straw brooms evil spirits that might have in the path. His “kumillo” or hunchback dwarf carrying the “Achiwa” sort of umbrella always accompanied the Inca in all outdoor performances or parasol made of colored feathers.

Another part of the celebration of Inti Raymi was at the ceremony of the new fire. In this part of the ceremony, the Inca order to extinguish the fire in all the kitchens of Cusco and surroundings with the purpose of lighting the new fire that was spread to all the city´s kitchens. This because the cooks are experts not only in cooking but also in keeping the fire from the ashes.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Make sure with your entrance.- If you want to be comfortable, Inti Raymi is a festival in which most stay to witness stand, many people here and abroad a stool to stand will not bring all weather. In CuscoPeru.com we have a variety of tours, but as we talk about the inti Raymi want your trip unforgettable, that is why we have organized a special tour for the festival.
2. How burns the sun!.- Here we haven´t seen a sunless Inti Raymi yet. This day was always sunny, so you cannot forget sunscreen to apply yourself, and not just the face, it is best to all parts of your body that will be discovered as the arms, neck, ears, etc. Also, keep a handy sun blocker, it is recommended to every 45 minutes. In addition to this, you should wear sunglasses and a hat or hat; is not news that ultraviolet rays attack us more and more.
3. Comfortable clothes.- Clothing is very likely that this day is hot and coats or similarly clothes would take a point against us. A good pair of walking shoes, the Inti Raymi lasts at least 7 hours, so you must go prepared. The statistics indicate that climate will be a sunny day. Try to wear yourself with something that makes you feel neither cold nor hot. Your comfort comes first.
4. Take a hydrating drink.- During the tour there are ladies selling different types of food, usually tend to take advantage of the tourist it is desperate to buy something and raise prices, is better to go prepared, and buy drinks and some snacks before leaving the hotel, problems and overspending would be avoided.
5. Always alert with personal objects.- Some people is always looking for victims, they are everywhere. They usually take the crowd to stick their hands into the pockets and / or backpacks. CuscoPeru.com recommends you not to carry valuable things in backpacks and / or pockets. Remember: ¨Happy passengers are new friends¨.

Proud to share with the whole world, our customs, festivities, news and events of our district, our sacred valley and the entire city of Cusco. The Willcamayu Hotel awaits you with open arms to offer you the best service during your stay in our city.

By Justo Hermoza