Luis Pantoja, the mayor of Cusco, announced that the iconic Inti Raymi will take center stage at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid on January 25 and 26. This global platform offers a unique chance to invite the world to experience the splendor of the ancient and sacred city of the Andes.
Choosing FITUR for this launch is no coincidence. According to Pantoja, the event gathers key figures from the international tourism industry, making Madrid a strategic location to showcase Cusco’s cultural heritage and draw more visitors.
Inti Raymi, one of Peru’s most celebrated traditions, already has a strong international presence. In 2023, the festival made its mark in New York with events at the renowned United Palace Theater and the iconic Times Square. It also reached Miami last year, with a celebration at Maurice Ferré Park.
The mayor highlighted key statistics about Cusco’s tourism activity, noting that the city handles around 50 flights daily and welcomed four million domestic and international visitors over the past year. These numbers solidify Cusco’s position as one of the top tourist destinations in the region.
What is Inti Raymi?
Inti Raymi stands as one of Peru’s most significant and iconic festivals, honoring the Sun God (Inti) in Inca tradition. Celebrated every June 24 in Cusco, it aligns with the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere—a key astronomical event for Andean cultures, marking the start of a new agricultural cycle.
The origins of Inti Raymi
During the Tahuantinsuyo era, Inti Raymi held profound spiritual, political, and social importance. Chroniclers describe how Inca Pachacútec established this celebration to pay tribute to the Sun, the main deity of the Inca Empire, expressing gratitude for past harvests and seeking blessings for future crops.
In Inca times, the festival unfolded in Cusco’s main square, featuring rituals filled with dances, music, offerings, and sacrifices. The entire community actively participated, making it a vibrant and unifying event.
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