Just like in all the cultures of the world, the Incas venerated the "𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐢 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐚," or Father Sun. In this month of June a great festival dedicated to the sun was held beneath the image of "Punchao," (𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘶𝘯).

They say that the festival lasted almost a month, beginning on June 21st, the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. This great celebration was held primarily to express recognition and gratitude for the Tayta Inti. Today it is re-enacted as “Inti Raymi".

Today is the bicentennial of the great celebration of Inti Raymi, the festival of the Sun - a modern rendition of the ancient Inca ceremony here in Cusco, once the center (or should I say, Qosqo or "navel") of the Inca empire. It was brought back to life 200 years ago after being prohibited by the Catholic Church. Now it is the pride of the Peruvian people, and attracts thousands from around the world to watch the great spectacle.