Father's Day may be over, but Cusqueñans are getting ready to honor the daddy of the Inca world--the Sun God "Inti"--during the annual festival known as Inti Raymi held next Tuesday, June 24. Occurring on the Winter Solstice of the Southern Hemisphere, the celebration today gathers hundreds of thousands of people from around Peru and the world, including celebrities such as last year's attendee Bill Gates. They all come to witness the reenactment of this ancient Inca ceremony which has roots dating as far back as the 13th century.
Considered the most important ceremony celebrated in the Inca Empire, the rituals that take place during the event are re-created thanks to the memories of the peasants who still practice them during the year and who have kept the traditions alive for centuries.
The Inca religion, which is based around nature, sees the sun as the most important aspect in daily life. It provides light and warmth, two things which civilizations back then (and today) couldn't live without. Though he was second in-line to Viracocha, the creator of civilization, Inti the Sun God received the most offerings--most especially from farmers who depended on the sun for their harvest. The ruler of the Inca people, Sapa Inca, claimed divine heritage in that he was a direct descendant of Inti.
This devotion and faith to the deity led to the creation of Inti Raymi, which means "resurrection of the sun" in Quechua. Back then, preparation for the festival began with a fast of three days. People fasted from nourishment, as well as refrained from sexual activities and were also not allowed to light fires.
Back then, preparations were carried out in Aucaypata Square, which today is located in Cusco's main square and was larger than it is today. Inca priests and nobility gathered here, all dressed in their most elegant-wear. Once the sun arrived--a special representation consisting of a golden sculpture--Sapa Inca offered two golden tumblers. Right afterwards, he, the priests and spectators made their way to Qorikancha and called for the blessings of the sun god with more offers.
They then made their way back to the square for the ceremony in which they sacrificed a llama. Today the sacrifice is only simulated, but back then, the High Priest had to kill the completely black or white llama by using the ceremonial knife known as "Tumi". Things got a little gory then when the priest had to open the animal's chest and pull out its heart and viscera. He then foretold the future by looking at these entrails and then produced a sacred fire. His fellow priests would then continue the ceremony by offering Sanqhu--a holy bread--made of corn flower and blood from the sacrificed animal.
The ceremony designated the end of the year and the beginning of the new one. And so began the celebration and feast, where attendees drank, danced and had a good time for several days.
Unfortunately, the Spanish came, conquered and eventually banned Inti Raymi celebrations in 1572 during the Viceroy of Francisco de Toledo, stating that it was pagan and contrary to the Catholic religion. The last festival with the Inca Emperor's presence was in 1535.
Today, the celebration is a one-day event that takes place on June 24th which is actually the winter solstice according to the Pacha Unachaq--the sundial used by the Incas. The days leading up to and after this special day are filled with special events such as street fairs, concerts, exhibitions and more, all in Cusco city. However, the big day falls on the 24th for Inti Raymi which is considered the second biggest festival in Latin America, trailing right behind Rio's Carnival.
For the past half century, the festival hasn't been taking place in its original location in Cusco's main square, but at the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán (Sacred House of the Sun) located a few minutes away from the city center. Thousands come to witness the ceremony, but more than 500 actors take part in the reenactment of the rituals.
Once all spectators have reached the Sacsayhuamán fortress and Sapa Inca has made his way from Qorikancha to the hilltop, the nobility, priests and of course, Sapa Inca, all give speeches in the native language of the Incas, Quechua. The ceremony ends with a procession back to Cucco, where Sapa Inca and his wife and sister, Mama Occla, are carried back down on their thrones, proclaiming the beginning of the new year.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to make it to this year's (good luck!) or next year's Inti Raymi festival:
The festival is an all-day event, with at least five hours spent at Sacsayhuamán. Entry is free and you're able to rent chairs, but if you want a reserved seat, you must do so in advance. This year, they range from $45-$90, with special discounts made available if you reserve well-in advance. Reservations include an official guide, map of the venue and radio receiver. For more information, visit Calle Santa Catalina Ancha 333 in Cusco.
The Inca religion, which is based around nature, sees the sun as the most important aspect in daily life. It provides light and warmth, two things which civilizations back then (and today) couldn't live without. Though he was second in-line to Viracocha, the creator of civilization, Inti the Sun God received the most offerings--most especially from farmers who depended on the sun for their harvest. The ruler of the Inca people, Sapa Inca, claimed divine heritage in that he was a direct descendant of Inti.
This devotion and faith to the deity led to the creation of Inti Raymi, which means "resurrection of the sun" in Quechua. Back then, preparation for the festival began with a fast of three days. People fasted from nourishment, as well as refrained from sexual activities and were also not allowed to light fires.
Back then, preparations were carried out in Aucaypata Square, which today is located in Cusco's main square and was larger than it is today. Inca priests and nobility gathered here, all dressed in their most elegant-wear. Once the sun arrived--a special representation consisting of a golden sculpture--Sapa Inca offered two golden tumblers. Right afterwards, he, the priests and spectators made their way to Qorikancha and called for the blessings of the sun god with more offers.
They then made their way back to the square for the ceremony in which they sacrificed a llama. Today the sacrifice is only simulated, but back then, the High Priest had to kill the completely black or white llama by using the ceremonial knife known as "Tumi". Things got a little gory then when the priest had to open the animal's chest and pull out its heart and viscera. He then foretold the future by looking at these entrails and then produced a sacred fire. His fellow priests would then continue the ceremony by offering Sanqhu--a holy bread--made of corn flower and blood from the sacrificed animal.The ceremony designated the end of the year and the beginning of the new one. And so began the celebration and feast, where attendees drank, danced and had a good time for several days.
Unfortunately, the Spanish came, conquered and eventually banned Inti Raymi celebrations in 1572 during the Viceroy of Francisco de Toledo, stating that it was pagan and contrary to the Catholic religion. The last festival with the Inca Emperor's presence was in 1535.
Today, the celebration is a one-day event that takes place on June 24th which is actually the winter solstice according to the Pacha Unachaq--the sundial used by the Incas. The days leading up to and after this special day are filled with special events such as street fairs, concerts, exhibitions and more, all in Cusco city. However, the big day falls on the 24th for Inti Raymi which is considered the second biggest festival in Latin America, trailing right behind Rio's Carnival.
For the past half century, the festival hasn't been taking place in its original location in Cusco's main square, but at the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán (Sacred House of the Sun) located a few minutes away from the city center. Thousands come to witness the ceremony, but more than 500 actors take part in the reenactment of the rituals.
Once all spectators have reached the Sacsayhuamán fortress and Sapa Inca has made his way from Qorikancha to the hilltop, the nobility, priests and of course, Sapa Inca, all give speeches in the native language of the Incas, Quechua. The ceremony ends with a procession back to Cucco, where Sapa Inca and his wife and sister, Mama Occla, are carried back down on their thrones, proclaiming the beginning of the new year.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to make it to this year's (good luck!) or next year's Inti Raymi festival:
The festival is an all-day event, with at least five hours spent at Sacsayhuamán. Entry is free and you're able to rent chairs, but if you want a reserved seat, you must do so in advance. This year, they range from $45-$90, with special discounts made available if you reserve well-in advance. Reservations include an official guide, map of the venue and radio receiver. For more information, visit Calle Santa Catalina Ancha 333 in Cusco.
By Diana P. Olano
source: www.livingperu.com
For packages to Peru visit www.absolutelatinamerica.com
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