Discovering the Magic of Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun in Ecuador

Inti Raymi is a ceremony celebrated in honor of Inti, which takes place every winter solstice. The current inhabitants of the Andean countries, with the presence of national and foreign visitors, continue to carry out this tradition, now considered a ceremony of tourist interest.

Where and when is Inti Raymi celebrated?

Inti Raymi takes place in the city of Otavalo, located in the province of Imbabura, northern Ecuador. The celebration takes place during the summer solstice, which occurs around June 21, marking the beginning of the Andean new year.

When and how did the festival start?

Inti Raymi is an ancestral festival of the Incas, the great indigenous empires that flourished in the Andean region. Originally, this celebration was a ritual dedicated to the sun god, Inti, and its purpose was to thank him for the abundance of the harvest and to ask his favor for the coming year. With the arrival of the Spanish, the celebration was adapted and merged with elements of Catholicism, but its indigenous essence remains predominant.

What clothes do the participants wear?

Those attending Inti Raymi wear traditional Andean clothing. Women usually wear colorful outfits with long skirts, embroidered blouses and typical hats, while men wear ponchos, wool pants and wide-brimmed hats. Bright colors and ornate fabrics reflect cultural richness and connection to the land.

What do participants eat and drink?

During Inti Raymi, traditional dishes are prepared such as roast cuy (guinea pig), locro de papa (a thick potato soup), and corn empanadas. To drink, attendees enjoy chicha de jora, a fermented corn-based drink, and other traditional drinks such as fruit punch.

What activities take place during the festival?

Inti Raymi's activities include traditional dance and music, with groups that perform folk dances such as indigenous salsa and play native instruments such as the zampoña and the charango. Rituals and offerings are also made to Pachamama (Mother Earth), where incense is burned and ceremonies are performed to ask for prosperity and protection from the sun.

Why is the festival important?

The Inti Raymi is crucial because it preserves and celebrates the ancestral traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Andes. It is a time to unite the community and strengthen cultural identity, while honoring the sun god for his vital role in agricultural life. In addition, the festival attracts tourists and promotes interest in Ecuadorian culture, creating a bridge between the past and the present.