Celebrating Inti Raymi at Machu Picchu - Excursion to Peru
They feared that the yearly disappearance of the solar would indicate the onslaught of famine and to prevent this from occurring would take an yearly pilgrimage to Cuzco to honor the sunlight god and plead for his quick return. This ceremony was perhaps the most essential in the Incan schedule and known as ‘Inti Raymi’, or ‘The event of the Sun’.Before the ceremony, celebrants would fast for days and refrain from all forms of physical pleasure. Gifts would then be presented to the Sapa Inca, who would put on a lavish feast of chichi, corn bread and meat, in exchange for a few slaughtered llamas.
Slaughtering llamas was important to ensure fertile lands and abounding vegetation for the yr ahead. Even today you will see many llamas on the Inca trail trek and Peruvians still hold them with the highest regard for the part they played in shaping the Inca Empire.In 1572, the Spaniards invaded Peru and banned the celebration of Inti Raymi, deeming it ‘pagan’ and not in line with their strict Catholic faith. However, with the hordes of tourists voyaging to Peru to attempt the Inca walk, the event has been resurrected and now takes area at Cuzco every year on 24 June. With Cuzco as the main starting point on the Inca walk to Machu Picchu, the event attracts both its fair share of tourists and locals alike.
Although times have changed, the event is as authentic as they come, with lavish feasts still a key part of the ceremony.
Locals take on the parts of important Incan figures, and to be asked to play Sapa Inca, or his wife, is a great honour.As Machu Picchu has long been associated with solar worship, attending the ceremony is a great way to get a feel of the authentic rituals which were conducted on the grounds of Machu Picchu during solstices of the sunlight.
The most important temple to the sun god, Wiracocha, was housed at Machu Picchu and therefore Inti Raymi couldn’t be a more apt start to your Inca trail trek.Although the event lasts all day the highlights take area in the evening when stacks of straw are set on fire in honor of the Tawantinsuty, or the Empire of the Four Wind Directions. Soon after, satisfactory feasting follows; although you’re more likely to find yourself enjoying sumptuous alpaca animal meat and roasted ceviche than chichi and corn bread. Drinking is also a large part of these celebrations, however if you’re hoping to trek the Inca walk to Machu Picchu the following morning you may want to take it easy on the Pisco sours
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