Table of Contents
New Year’s traditions differ around the world and some celebrations are far different from the usual fireworks at midnight that many countries embrace. In New Zealand Māori people celebrate Matariki and make offerings to the stars, and the Chinese New Year is known for the vibrant festivities.
But have you heard of Inti Raymi? The Inca New Year may not be as famous worldwide, but it absolutely should be! And here’s your ultimate guide to it.
What is Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi originated in Peru as an Inca festival to honour the Sun God, Inti who was the most venerated God from the Inca Pantheon. It’s also known as the Festival of the Sun, and it celebrates the start of the Inca New Year and the winter solstice, and marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.
In 2001, Inti Raymi was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation, sealing it as an incredibly important part of Inca and Peruvian history,
When is the Inca New Year?
Inti Raymi is always celebrated on the 24th of June, and it is a national public holiday across Peru, though the bulk of the celebrations take place in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire.
How do people celebrate Inti Raymi?
During the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi was celebrated with a fast, processions, dances, a great feast and animal sacrifices – the latter of these celebrations has since been dropped.
Today, celebrations of Inti Raymi in Cusco start in the morning at the Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, where actors play out a scene of the Sapa Inca (Inca Emperor) paying homage to the sun. The procession moves to the Plaza de Armas, where the Sapa Inca calls upon Inti to give them the blessings of the sun. As the final part, the procession moves to Sacsayhuaman, an open-air fortress. Here, elements of the original Inca traditions are recreated, like prayer and offerings.
The performance is held in the Quechua language, and the actors wear traditional colourful Inca clothes.
The festival is a vibrant display of Inca culture, filled with long-standing traditions, beautiful clothes and bits of heritage, and traditional music and food.
Image source:Maritza S. / unsplash
Can tourists attend Inti Raymi?
Yes! Inti Raymi is actually a huge tourist attraction in Cusco and Peru, and travellers are welcomed with open arms. However, as this is a significant cultural event, it’s important to remain respectful and not disrupt any of the festivities.
How to experience the Inca New Year yourself
If you’re thinking of heading to Cusco and experiencing Inti Raymi for yourself, you can do so one of two ways!
- Either you can book seats in advance which will give you access to the designated seated areas of each event.
- Or, you can stand with most of the other travellers and locals, and view everything that way, immersing yourself that way.
All three main locations of the festivities are free to enter for all, so all you have to worry about is getting there early to make sure you get a good view.
You can travel to Peru with Contiki on one of our many itineraries during that time of year and see the Inti Raymi festivities, as well as many more attractions the country has on offer like the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, and other stunning views and cities.
