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Peru has a dual heritage, Incan and Conquistador, and it is easy to see how the two have blended to create one of the most unique and culturally-rich countries in our hemisphere. It offers a unique variety of wonderful and fascinating sites to visit, from the warm desert to the gorgeous Andes mountains and even biologically-diverse Amazon region. Lima, the bustling capital city, is called the City of the Kings and was founded over four centuries ago! Lima’s population is close to 9 million. It is a bustling city with interesting places to visit - the program will visit the National Museum of Anthropology and Archeology, which houses Pre-Colombian exhibits, and the Plaza de Armas, recently renovated by the United Nations Cultural Heritage Program.
Cusco and Machu Picchu are located in the Sierras, where the jungle meets the majestic Andes, home to millions of highland Indians who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and still maintain their traditional way of life. Cusco was founded in the 11th or 12th century by the Incan King, Manco Capac, as a sacred city and many of the Incan ruins are found here. Today it is home to about 500,000 warm and friendly people who still practice the ancestor’s traditions. Fifty-four percent of Peru’s population is Indian, with the large majority living in the highlands. The Festival to the Sun, Inti Raymi, takes place during our visit to this region. It is a spectacular and colorful celebration in which hundreds of participants give thanks to the God of the Sun. It is truly a wonderful time of year to be in Cusco!
INTI RAYMI-Festival of the Sun: This event, the second largest festival in Latin America, takes place every June 24th in Cusco. This festival was re-born almost 60 years ago and has been held ever year since. The script of the festival has been carefully put together by archaeologists and historians from chronicles and historical documents to make it as authentic as possible. The ceremony is a re-creation of the same festival honoring the sun that the Incas celebrated five hundred years ago. It lasts about 3 ½ hours. Witnessing this festival is truly an honor and a highlight of anyone’s trip to Peru! The centerpiece of the festival are the all-day celebrations on June 24, the actual day of Inti Raymi. On this day, the ceremonial events begin with an invocation by the Sapa Inca in the Qorikancha square in front of the Santo Domingo church, built over the ancient Temple of the Sun. Here, the Sapa Inca calls on the blessings from the sun. Following the oration, the Inca Ruler, Sapa Inca, is carried on a golden throne, a replica of the original which weighed about 60 kilos, in a procession through the streets of Cusco. In the city's main square Sapa Inca commands the local authorities to govern fairly. Then, the procession heads to the fortress at Sacsayhuaman. With the Sapa Inca come the high priests, garbed in ceremonial robes, then officials of the court, nobles and others, all elaborately costumed according to their rank, with silver and gold ornaments. Hundreds of other participants also walk with the throne along flowered streets, to music and prayers and dancing.
At Sacsayhuamán , where huge crowds await the arrival of the procession, Sapa Inca climbs to the sacred altar where all can see him. Then, step by step, thousands of actors enact a ceremony, giving thanks to the sun god, Inti. Every day has its events, from daytime expositions, street fairs, and people milling and dancing in the streets. In the evenings, live music from the best of Peruvian musical groups draws the crowds to the Plaza de Armas for free concerts. It is a festive and colorful occasion not to be missed!
For more information on this festival, go to: |
