Inti Raymi is an Inca and Andean ceremony held in honor of Inti, the sun god, that takes place each winter solstice. This tradition can be found among the Andean countries and has become a celebration of tourist interest with deep roots in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and northern Argentina. The celebration is known by its name in Quechua, but it is common to many pre-hispanic communities of the Andes, even before the hegemony of the former Inca Empire.

Nowadays, it is conceived as a syncretic rite among the Andean communities. In Ecuador, the set of festivities related to Inti Raymi are celebrated throughout the months of June and July, during the day and at night, even paralyzing the cities. However, in 1572 catholic Viceroy Francisco Álvarez de Toledo prohibited this celebration, given its pagan nature, but the festival continued to be held clandestinely. In spite of the initial prohibition, in some places of the Andes this celebration has even ended up connected to Catholic festivals such as San Juan, which takes place at the same time of the year.

Last weekend it was held for the first time ever here in Berlin. Musical producers Joaquín Cornejo Bermeo and Alberto Tates, the folkloric dance group Ayahuma Ecuador and the guitarist Gotopo livened up the celebration with their dances and traditional music. There was also a dance workshop and a fruit offering in order to thank the sun and the Pachamama, which is the mother earth in the Andean culture. Colorful costumes, music, dances and food typified the celebration.

Inti Raymi plays a fundamental role in Andean popular culture. It is the time of the year to thank the gods through one of the most relevant and ancient folklore festivals in the region. It is a clear proof of the richness and cultural heritage of the beautiful Andean regions.

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