He Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, is an ancient ceremony in honor of the sun god Inti, celebrated every winter solstice on June 24. This Inca tradition remains alive in Andean countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Colombia and Chile, and has acquired tourist interest.
Instituted by the Inca Pachacutec In the 1430s, the festival was held on the southern winter solstice (June 21) and was considered one of the most important Inca festivities along with Capaq Inti Raymi, celebrated on the summer solstice. According to Garcilaso de la Vega, this celebration marked the rebirth of the Sun god and the beginning of a new annual cycle. It lasted 15 days and included dances, ceremonies and sacrifices. Banned in 1572 by Viceroy Francisco Álvarez de Toledo, the festival continued to be celebrated clandestinely.
In 1944, at the initiative of Humberto Vicial Unda and Faustino Espinoza Navarro, a historical reconstruction was carried out to attract tourism to Cusco. Although its name is Quechua, the festival has pre-Hispanic roots and is common to many Andean peoples. In Ecuador, the celebrations cover June and part of July, paralyzing daily life with its rituals and customs.
