Every year on 24 June Cusco celebrates the festival of Inti Raymi. This festival was celebrated by the Incas as the festival of the sun where they worship the sun god Viracocha. The Inti Raymi symbolizes the eternal consecration of marriage between the Sun and their children, humans. Inti Raymi was the most important Inca empire Tawantinsuyu which based its religion on the cult of the sun festival. On June 24 celebrated the winter solstice, in other words the beginning of the New Year. The solstice begins scientist on June 21, but according to the Pacha Unachaq a sundial used by the Incas, the sun stays some days in the same place before rising on June 24. This day was proclaimed by the high priest as the New Year: Inti Raymi !.
The inhabitants of Cusco traditionally involve about everybody, including tourists, to enjoy and marvel this most special day. Additional events countless must be considered before, during and after 24tos. These are exhibitions, street and square activities in day and evening live concerts given by the very best of the diverse musical talents of Peru, made in the Armas Square. This is the second biggest festival in Latin America, after the carnival in Rio.
Most concerts and exhibitions are free and are for the city of Cusco and Peruvian companies sponsored. For more than half a century the festival takes place in the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, also called the sacred house of the sun more than 200 thousand people come together witness the most beautiful show of the year where more than 500 actors proudly bring the past alive. The highlight of the Inti Raymi is in the oration given by the Sapa Inca and the high priest in the original language of the Incas, Quechua. This ancient language still spoken in wide areas in and around Cusco, mainly in the Peruvian highlands. The Qorikancha or the Sun Temple.
For some years the Inti Raymi starts in the square in front of the Qorikancha, also known as the Santa Domingo in the Avenida del Sol (see table). The Sapa Inca honors, with an eloquently strong voice, the blessings of the sun and this most sacred day. After this initiation the procession moves with imperial dignity to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. At the top the Inca a golden throne continues (see next page table). Gold and silver abundant worn by men and women, respectively, represent their status as socialites and invoke deep respect for their fallen empire. Enjoy a tour to the city of Cusco it will be unforgettable, with this travel that will provide everything you need to make your trip unique.