12:05 | Cusco, Jul. 07 (ANDINA).
On a sunny day, the people of Cusco and its tourists heard the 21-gun salute in the Imperial city, which marked the beginning of the main day of the celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu, cultural heritage of humanity and wonder of the world.
This activity was held early this morning at 06.00 hours (11.00 GMT) at Sacsayhuaman archaeological fortress and was attended by the public safety staff of Cusco’s provincial municipality and the Peruvian Army.
“For us, this celebration is very important (…). We are very happy,” said Peruvian Army Major Rely Chanca Sanchez and Sub-Lieutenant Ruben Paredes.
At 09.00 hours, the main squares of the Imperial city such as Regocijo, Espinar, San Blas, Santa Teresa, Los Pumas and the main square of Cusco was the venue for several art and culture festivals throughout the day.
A greeting to Machu Picchu, which started at 10.30 hours and will last until 12.30 hours, is carried out in the Inca citadel, with the staging of the traditional Tinkay ceremony and a salute from the Cuatro Suyos.
Later at 16:00 hours, the twinning of the six municipalities of the 7 Wonders of the World is t be held at the municipality of Machu Picchu district.
Finally, a light and sound show which aims to show Machu Picchu as it was back in the Inca times is scheduled to take place between 18.00 and 20.00 hours.
The ceremony called Machu Picchu, history and tribute to a wonder of the world, will feature a performance of the Andean Orchestra and Cusco’s Symphony Orchestra and Peruvian renowned singer Tania Libertad.
This activity, like the one carried out in the morning, will be broadcast live on the Plaza de Armas across giant screens.
(END) PHS/LBH/JOT/PGS/PSY
Published: 7/7/2011