What is Inti Raymi, and why is it celebrated?

Answered on : 2024-01-24

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Inti Raymi, meaning "Festival of the Sun" in Quechua, is an ancient religious ceremony celebrated by the Inca Empire in honor of Inti, the Incan sun deity. It takes place every June 24th during the winter solstice and is considered one of Peru's most significant holy days. The celebration involves rituals, dances, and processions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization. The festival was banned by Spanish conquerors after the fall of the Inca Empire in an effort to eliminate "pagan" rituals. However, Inti Raymi persisted and is now celebrated as a cultural and artistic event, emphasizing the coexistence of Catholic and native traditions in modern Peru [1, 2, 3, 4].