Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)

Held in honor of the Incan sun god Inti, Inti Raymi is a popular and wonderful festival for visitors who want to learn more about the ancient Inca Empire. The town of Cotacachi and surrounding villages come alive with week-long festivals that include street parades, poetry recitations, dance performances, and more. Locals wear black pointed hats and goatskin chaps to enhance the overall traditional feel. Inti Raymi is also a great opportunity to try some traditional foods and drinks like chicha de Jora (corn beer). The festival usually takes place for a week, from June 21 onwards, during the summer solstice. This is perhaps the most famous and important indigenous celebration in Ecuador.

This music can be found throughout the festival, as there are live concerts during the week with local and international artists. Other activities include fireworks, bullfighting (bulls are not killed), and a popular event in which swimmers compete across the waters of Lake San Pablo. A Yamor Festival Queen is crowned and she oversees many festivals during the week. Inti Raymi is a famous festival that presents a colorful and joyful event that symbolizes new beginnings.

• Organization time: June every year
• Location: Cotacachi, Ecuador