Cusco is magical, enigmatic, and historical, attracting thousands of visitors. Each year and becoming one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. ¿Wich ceremony would you prefer to celebrate?
Rituals and festivities are part of the cultural legacy we have inherited. It is our responsibility to ensure they are not merely memories but remain alive for future generations.
Here are two of the most important festivals:
Pachamama’s Day Ceremony
Pachamama Raymi means “Festival of Mother Earth“
The people of Cusco pay homage to Mother Earth as a thank you for the good harvests that sustain families throughout the year.
The essence of the ritual is based on the principle of reciprocity, which is the core of the Andean worldview.
In this ceremony called “haywasqa” (payment to the earth). The Andean priest known as a “Paqo” leads the use of foods worked and produced by Mother Earth.
The main ritual involves digging a hole in the ground and placing a clay pot with food inside it:
huayruro seeds, coca leaves, chicha de jora, and other beverages.
All provisions must be cooked as a sign of respect for the earth. After which a hole is dug to place all the offerings, feeding Pachamama.
Afterward, they bury the offerings and place a mound of stones and flowers on the ground. It’ll becomes the ceremonial center.
Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi means “Festival of the Sun“
This is one of the most important festivals in Cusco, gathering thousands of people each year for its celebration.
In a privileged location in the sacred capital, Inca Pachakuteq ordered the construction of the Qorikancha, a magnificent temple dedicated to revering the Sun, which the Incas called Apu Inti.
In honor of this deity, the impressive festival of Inti Raymi was consecrated, and the most important chroniclers described it as characterized by solemnity and splendor.
It is celebrated in the winter solstice on June 24.
The ceremony begins at the Qorikancha Temple with a greeting to the Sun.
After this, the Inca and the mayor of Cusco meet at Haucaypata and finally carry out the central ceremony north of the city on the esplanade of the Sacsayhuaman fortress, over 3,600 meters above sea level.
Today, about a hundred actors dressed in typical Inca clothing gather at this archaeological complex to reenact what was originally the Inca‘s invocation of the Sun.
