Even before the arrival of Spanish conquerors in 1532 a. D., this time of the year was central to the Inca empire. They were an agricultural society, who relied heavily on astronomical observations for farming planning. Thus, in June we have the Winter solstice here in the Cusco region, which created the ceremony called the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival), the main national event for the Incas, when the Emperor himself was supposed to worship the Sun God, so it will always come back to continue giving life and making agriculture possible.
With the coming of the Spanish, June (Cusco’s anniversary month) received a major input from Catholicism, in particular, the central role of Jesus in religious beliefs and practices. All this mix is what we currently celebrate every June here in the region. Next, all the ceremonies and great experiences visitors can have in Cusco’s anniversary month!
1. Offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth): this a millenary, pre-Hispanic ritual, created by Andean Shamans. It is a worship of Mother Earth, in gratitude for her providing with good harvests, food, water and everything needed to support life. The Shamans pray and dance, then fill an offering with many things like coca leaves, Andean cereals, candies and more and then they wrap the package. Finally, the offering is taken to one of the sacred Apus (mountains) of the region, to enter into unity with nature. This is a ritual which is meant to attract wealth and richness, done not only in June.
2. The Great Parade: this amazing event for Cusco’s anniversary month is held halfway June, at Cusco’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas). It is a location full of history, it was the place where the Inca Emperor and his court lived, the political center of the empire. With the advent of the Spanish, Catholic churches were built over the Inca palaces. The Main Square is one of the most beautiful attractions in this town. The Great June Parade shows a variety of local dances and also the marching of the most important institutions in town, like schools, universities, government branches, police and military.
3. Corpus Christi: also around halfway June, Cusco’s anniversary month includes this Catholic ceremony, mainly held downtown. It is a remembrance of the body of Christ. At least 15 images of saints are taken to the streets in procession, also the Virgin Mary is worshiped. Here we can admire the famous Corpus Christi Altars, which are present at several different places. Also, on the gastronomy side, it is the time for the renowned Chiriuchu, a typical Andean dish, based on guinea pig, accompanied by a variety of things, like hen meat, pork sausage, cheese, corn pancake, Andean corn and more, in a delicious mix.
4. The Sun Festival (Inti Raymi): undoubtedly the main celebration in Cusco’s anniversary month! Every June 24th, we go back to Inca times and remember the most important ceremony of the ancient empire. The Winter solstice here marks the shortest day of the year and also the longest night. So the Inca emperor himself summoned people from Cusco and all other regions to worship the Sun God and make sure of its return every day, to always make life and good farming possible. Nowadays, this massive event begins at the Coricancha Temple in downtown Cusco, which used to be like the Vatican of the Incas, then continues at the Main Square and finishes at the marvelous, cyclopean Sacsayhuaman fortress. You will see dances, ancient rituals, beautiful garments, a complete recreation of the Inca court and more. For this June 2022, there will be a link on the entrance ticket, for a podcast which translates the entire ceremony into English, German, French and Spanish.
5. The Qoyllur Riti (God of the Snow Star): this is the last one in Cusco’s anniversary month… quite a massive one too! It is held at the Ocongate village, at the Colke Punku snowy, 4,800 meters above sea level (about 15,748 feet). People from all around Cusco (and from all over the world) go to revere Jesus which is shown on a rock. Warm clothes are mandatory for this adventure.
So, these are the best ceremonies you will find in June, Cusco’s anniversary month. Amazing experiences you can easily add to more known tours like Machu Picchu or one of the Inca Trails. These events in Cusco City blend history, religion, archaeology, gastronomy and actually a lot of fun and good memories.
June 2022 can be a great time to enjoy our archaeology, Andean paths and also Cusco’s anniversary month! Talk to our travel professionals and have the perfect vacation in Peru!
