Inti Raymi

The Inti Raymi, which means "Sun Festival" in Quechua, is one of the imperial Cusco's most prominent celebrations and one of the most exciting festivals in the country. Every June during the celebrations, this spectacular ceremony takes place on the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman, with the goal of paying homage to the Sun God, the greatest emblem of reverence in Inca culture.

Every year, over 600 performers participate in this one-of-a-kind event, portraying their forefathers with the same zeal that these people did centuries before.

This custom is still carried on by the contemporary inhabitants of the Andean countries. Many other indigenous people of Inca ancestry still practice the Inti Raymi rite, some of whom live in distant regions of the ancient Inca territory, such as Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, northern Argentina (Jujuy), and Bolivia.

Location: Cusco

Date: June 24