Cusco is magical, enigmatic, and historical, attracting thousands of visitors. Each year it becomes 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 three of the most important festivals:
Qoyllur Riti’s Ceremony
Qoyllur Riti means “Star of Snow“
It is a religious festival celebrated in Cusco a few days before Corpus Christi and 58 days after Easter.
The inhabitants of the Ocongate district in the Cusco department, perform a rite whose external symbol is the image of Christ. But its deeper purpose is the integration of man with nature.
The people in this area are devotees of Taytacha Qoyllur Rit’i (the Lord of the Bright Snow). This is an ancient religious custom practiced only by the inhabitants of the Andes.
For this celebration, faithful participants and delegations of dancers from various places in Cusco gather in Mahuayani to embark on an 8.5 km pilgrimage through the Sinakara Valley to the Sanctuary of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti.
This ritual is linked to the fertility of the earth and the worship of the Apus (mountains and tutelary gods).
The main ceremony occurs at the foot of the snowy Ausangate. Shepherds, merchants, and curious visitors converge at the Sinakara sanctuary, located 4,600 meters above sea level.
Andean New Year
The Andean New Year, known as “Pacha Kuti Ceremony“
Every June 21, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, is celebrated by the inhabitants of Lake Titicaca.
This day signals the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a rest period for the earth, leading to revitalization in August.
It marks a new phase in nature, favorable for planting and new beginnings in people’s lives.
The ceremony begins with a prayer to the Qh’antati Ururi (dawn star) to guide the sun. Followed by offerings to the fertilizing gods of Pachamama for renewal and prosperity.
Communities perform various rituals and cultural activities, prominently featuring offerings to the sun at dawn. As they await the first rays to express gratitude for the earth’s fertility and to seek a prosperous year.
The community leader presents a large breakfast of traditional Andean foods, including:
potatoes, chuño, fava beans, and quinoa
Afterward, a procession leads to Yunguyo for farewell rituals, marking the transition between old and new time with offerings and traditional dances.
Throughout these ceremonies, the inhabitants ask Pachamama for renewal and reciprocity. They recognize her as the most important deity in their worldview.
Kasarakuy’s Ceremony
Kasarakuy means “to marry“
This festival takes place exclusively in August (also known as “the month of spirituality”) coinciding with major festivities like the previusly Pachamama Raymi, Blog part 1.
One of the peculiarities of this celebration is that the entire community participates in the formal union of these couples. They dance to the rhythm of huaynos and weare typical clothing of Andean cultures.
Tradition dictates that this ritual takes place after the religious ceremony.
An essential part of the ceremony is the coca leaf ritual to give thanks to Pachamama.
The organization of the celebration is in the hands of the couples’ families, the godparents, and the co-godparents, who prepare the food, decorations, and drinks in their respective homes.
