Stepping Back in Time

Published by

on

Experiencing the Magic of Inti Raymi

The theme for this week is celebrating the upcoming astronomical wonder of the Summer Solstice, arriving on Thursday, June 20th, 2024 at 3:50 PM CST.  In our previous post, “Here Comes the Sun!” , we explored various ways the Summer Solstice is celebrated in different cultures, countries and religions. This week, I will be writing in more detail about the different celebrations and customs and for today’s post we will be journeying to Peru!

Yesterday was all about the Icelandic Secret Solstice festival, but did you know there’s a vibrant cultural celebration that coincides with this event in the Southern Hemisphere? Inti Raymi, meaning “Festival of the Sun” in Quechua, was a grand ceremony held by the Inca Empire to honor their sun god, Inti. Though the Inca Empire fell centuries ago, the spirit of Inti Raymi lives on in a spectacular modern-day festival held in Cusco, Peru. This year’s celebration will be held on Mon, Jun 24, 2024.

Imagine a city steeped in history coming alive with the vibrant energy of a thousand-year-old tradition. The heart of the festival is a grand procession that snakes its way through Cusco, led by a figure representing the Inca emperor himself. Attendees dressed in colorful Inca attire weave through the streets, accompanied by the rhythmic pulse of drums and the haunting melodies of panpipes. The ceremony culminates at Saqsayhuaman, an archaeological site overlooking the city, where offerings are made to Inti, seeking his continued blessing for bountiful harvests and prosperity.

Inti Raymi is a captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Whether you’re a history buff or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of tradition, this festival offers a window into the heart of the Inca Empire.

To learn more about the festival, visit the Inti Raymi page on Wikipedia.

#IntiRaymi #FestivaloftheSun #Cusco #Peru #IncaEmpire #SummerSolstice #Quechua #CulturalCelebration #Travel #SouthAmerica #History #Dance #Music #Parade #Offering #SunGod #Inti #Travelgram

Leave a comment