The Fiesta of the Sun
On the 24th of June each year thousands of
people take part in the Inca ceremony og homage to god Inti, on
the great terrace of Sacsayhuaman fortress. Thousands of factors
re-enact the most colourful and symbolic spectable of Andean
Culture.
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ENJOY
DE PRINCIPAL DAY OF CUSCO INTI RAYMI 2011 |
Inti Raymi begins when achorus of aqllas –
the Inca´s chosen ones – recreate the homage that was offered to
the sun god, in dance and song. Then, the Incas is borned by his
subjects from Koricancha temple in the city of Cusco to
Sacsayhuaman fortress.
The fiesta is held in the fortress.
Surrounded by coyas, aqllas, curacas, warriors and tourist, the
emperor revels in his power and dominance. He sits on the USNO
or throne, and oberves his subjects from the four Suyos – the
regions that make up the Inca Empire – renew their allegiance.
There follows a great gathering of
musicians, dancers and guards, who perform on the terrace to the
rhythm of quenas, pututos and zampońas.
The youngest artists represents the people
and the older ones the authorities: the curacas, the high
priests (such as Willak Uma) and the Inca, the sovereign son of
the Sun.
It is he who leads the sacrifice of a black
llama. According to ancient belief, such animals possess higher
mystic properties and can see into the future. The animal is
sacrificed to obtain its heart. Its appearance will reveal
wheter the Empire will enjoy plenty or suffer shortages in the
coming year.
When the sun god is at his zenith, the Inca
orders the crowd to disperse.
The celebration brings together various
members of the high Andean communities as well as people from
the city and from Calca, Urubamba and Pisac, among other nearby
towns. They mix with visitors from all over the world.
