Flutes of the World: Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi: Inca Festival of the Sun

As the golden sun cast upon the ancient land of the Inca Empire, a mesmerizing celebration unfurled. Enchanting melodies of indigenous flutes filled the air, accompanying the rhythmic movements of vibrant dancers and the joyous cheers of the crowd. Join us as we delve into the past and present of this revered Inca festival, where the spirit of the Sun God dances in harmony with the captivating melodies of traditional Andean instruments like pan flutes and quenas.

In the chronicles of the past,  few celebrations rival the Inti Raymi festival — a lively gathering that celebrated the sun and marked the beginning of a new year. For the Incas, the sun, known as Inti, held a special place in their hearts and minds. The Inti Raymi, meaning "Inti festival" in the Quechua language, pays homage to this revered deity. In the southern hemisphere, where the Inca Empire flourished, this occasion fell in the months of June and July.  It marked the shortest day of the year, and the beginning of the New Year, when daylight hours would gradually lengthen once again.

In the heart of the Inca Empire, the city of Cusco, the Inti Raymi took center stage as the most significant of four annual ceremonies. According to Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a chronicler of that time, the festival unfolded in the main plaza, Haukaypata. With a duration of nine days, it was a vibrant spectacle filled with dazzling dances, colorful processions, and sacred rituals. Animal sacrifices were made as offerings to Pachamama, the Earth Mother, to express gratitude and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest season.

The origins of the Inti Raymi trace back to Sapa Inca Pachacuti, a revered Inca ruler. He initiated this grand festival as a way to mark the new year and to celebrate the mythical beginnings of the Inca people themselves. In the 15th century, the first Inti Raymi took place, captivating the hearts of the Inca Empire. However, with the arrival of Spanish colonists and their Catholic priests, the festival was suppressed, and its practice banned.

Fast forward to 1944, when a remarkable event occurred – the historical reconstruction of the Inti Raymi. Directed by Faustino Espinoza Navarro, this revival was based on the chronicles left behind by Garcilaso de la Vega. Since then, an annual theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi has been captivating audiences at Saksaywaman, a site located two kilometers from the original celebration site in Cusco.

Although centuries have passed since the height of the Inca Empire, the spirit of the Inti Raymi still thrives in indigenous cultures throughout the Andes. Today, the celebration begins at Qorikancha, once the Incan Temple of the Sun. From there, the festivities flow to the Plaza de Armas and other significant sites of the Inca era. Thousands of visitors, both local and international, gather to witness this mesmerizing spectacle and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Inca culture. It's a time of vibrant colors and costumes, traditional dances, sharing of food, and joyous music that fills the streets. As the celebration unfolds, the Inti Raymi festival touches the hearts and minds of all who participate, fostering a deep appreciation for the ancient heritage.