1564

Description

Inti Raymi (festival of the sun) occurs during the winter solstice in June and brings together thousands of people from all over Peru, many who wear traditional clothing from their respective region. In addition to the street parades, music, and costumes, a lucky person is chosen to portray Sapa Inca who is then carried to the fortress Sacsayhuaman, to offer the sacrifices to honor the Sun God. It is an impressive example of social organization in that the indigenous groups keep alive a tradition that predates the european influence. In fact, during a long period of time the Inti Raymi was prohibited as a pagan ritual, but it is alive and strong today.