Inti Raymi

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Today was Inti Raymi, the Inca Sun Festival, here in Cusco. I don't exactly know how to describe Inti Raymi except that there were a lot of people dressed in colorful Incan costumes dancing around all day long up a hill then back down. Everyone (locals, Gringos, Peruvians) followed the procession up to the sacred mountain of Sasaqwaman and watched the ceremonious simulated sacrifice of a llama. We all (thousands of us) sat on the hills and stone Inca ruins of Sasaqwaman for a few hours. There were picnics, ice cream venders, and a break in the barrier which resulted in hundreds of people storming a prohibited area. It was good times and I'm glad I had my timing just right for the festival.

In Cusco, I am living with a family and attending a spanish school. So far I've had one class and six meals. I am enjoying everything and eventually I will need to try the Cuscan specialty: roasted guinea pig. When I learn a little more Spanish, I'll find an organization to volunteer for. It's supposed to be pretty easy to find something. I'll let you know how it's going.

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Photos

Saqsaywaman
Ceremony on Saqsaywaman

Stonework
Inca stonework at Saysaqwaman

The Inca
they guy playing the Inca for Inti Raymi

Catedral
in Plaza de Armas (main square) of Cusco

Plaza de Armas
main square of Cusco

Pre-Inti Raymi parade
dancing women

Pre Inti Raymi Parade
Dancers with baby

Qoricancha
Inti Raymi opening ceremony at Qoricancha

faulty tape
Thousands of people running to the prohibited area for a better view

Comments

[Nicole]

hooray!
Kimmie! you're doing it! that's sooo cool! my mom said you're amazing! i agree. goin to PA on tues. mom's goin back to CA for a month on wed. zac's in germany. but we'll all be back in the rockies soon enough love from the summit!