Inti Raymi

inca · sun god · winter solstice · festival

Honoring the Sun God. Inti Raymi was a ceremony dedicated to Inti, the sun god and the most important deity in Inca religion. The Inca people believed the sun was so powerful and sacred that it deserved their biggest celebration of the year.

Winter Solstice Festival. Inti Raymi took place on June 24, which marks the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. The Inca celebrated this day because they knew that after this point, the hours of daylight would gradually grow longer again.

Inca New Year. This festival marked the beginning of the Inca New Year, making it extra special to the empire. It combined religious worship with the excitement of welcoming a fresh start and the promise of returning sunlight.

Grand Ceremony in Cusco. Inti Raymi was held in the Haukaypata, the main square of the Inca capital city of Cusco. This massive gathering brought people together to celebrate with ceremonies and rituals honoring their beloved sun god.

Most Important Festival. Out of all the Inca festivals and celebrations throughout the year, Inti Raymi was considered the most important and prestigious event in the entire empire. It showed how central the sun god was to Inca life and beliefs.