13:58 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jun. 24.
The amazing Inti Raymi or Sun Festival —the most important celebration in the Inca city of Cusco— kicked off today, luring thousands of tourists from all over the world.
The spectacular show featured members of Asociacion Cultural Filigranas Peruanas, who role-played a solemn tribute and offered thanks to Inti (Sun God) —patron deity of the Inca Empire.
The starring roles were played by performing arts teacher David Anca and actress Norvina Gallegos, who starred as Inca Pachacutec and the Coya (Inca's main wife), respectively.
They were joined by hundreds of artists, acting as nobles, military men, authorities and Inca inhabitants, to pay tribute to the Sun and mark the Winter Solstice.
The Inca ruler and his wife were solemn and stuck to the script patented by National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Intellectual Property (Indecopi) in 1993.
The ancient Inca tradition began at
Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Next stops include Qoricancha temple and Cusco's Main Square.
Considered one of the most lavish celebrations in the Peruvian Andes, the Inti Raymi includes music, parades and crowds of people gathered in the streets.
(END) LZD/RMB
Published: 6/24/2017