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Why is June Cusco’s Natal Month?
Back in 1944, at the initiative of an eminent citizen of Cusco, mister Humberto Vidal Unda, it was established (along with consultations to local historians) that June should be the anniversary month of our region. And more specifically, June 24th was chosen to be the Day of Cusco.
The reasons for this are as follows:
- In June the old Inca empire used to held its most important ritual, the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival), a major worship of the Sun God so life could continue for always.
- Also, June 24th is national Peasants’ Day, which honors and celebrates the millenary Cusco and Andean farming tradition.
Thus, June became Cusco’s natal month, and since then we celebrate in grand style! Next we will elaborate on why it is a great idea to make your Cusco trip in June!
Traditions in Cusco’s Natal Month
- The Chiriuchu or Chiri Uchu: this is the most typical dish for the occasion and if you are into gastronomic tourism, may be enough reason for a Cusco trip! This dish goes back to Inca times and was consumed not on special occasions but as a regular, frequent meal after a hard day of work at the fields. Nowadays, it is a must for the celebrations of Cusco’s natal month.
It is based on guinea pig meat (a traditional ingredient in the Andean regions) to which it must be added: hen meat, a corn omelet, white cheese, sausages, algae, Andean corn as the main components. It is a real treat to the sense of taste! Delicious! Finally, it must be served and eaten cold, because of Inca religion and duality: since it was an offering to the Sun God (hot), the dish had to be cold. If you decide on a Cusco trip this month, the Chiriuchu can be found everywhere!
The Watia: also a traditional, delicious, nutritious and worthy of a try on your Cusco trip! Its origin is lost in Inca times, but it is cooked inside an adobe, vault-shaped oven, where first people must burn some wood and when it is hot, place inside a variety of meats, potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, seasoned with several natural condiments, wrapped inside big leaves. After a while, the oven falls down, and the cooking continues for some time. Finally, the ingredients are taken from the oven and eaten very juicy and warm. Believe me, this is nothing like McDonald’s…
Celebrations in Cusco’s Anniversary Month
Also capable of being worthy of a Cusco trip in June, are the following celebrations:
- The Inti Raymi (Sun Festival): certainly a must if you do a Cusco trip during June! This is a very accurate recreation of the ancient Inca worshiping of the Sun God, done by the emperor himself, together with about 700 entertainers, dressed in full typical costume. Dances, old shamanic rituals and marches complete the ritual, which takes place in three different locations (our tour will take you to all of them naturally).
- Corpus Christi: an input from Christianism, brought to the Andes by Spanish conquerors in the 16th century a.D. This celebration became a very important occasion in Cusco City, particularly in downtown, where at the very Main Square (Plaza de Armas), many altars are taken out to remember the body of Christ and saints are also taken to the streets in procession. This is a very traditional gathering in our town. Sure can be a highlight on any Cusco trip!
Main Square’s Big Parade: although this one isn’t a tour we regularly do, you can arrange everything with us to get there and enjoy! At Cusco’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas), a place full of history it was there the Inca emperor had his palace, court and ruled a vast empire spanning from Colombia to Argentina- there are typical dances, music, and many local organizations join the march, which is presided by the Cusco governor, together with the main political authorities. Perfect occasion on a Cusco trip for amazing videos, pictures and immersion in our region’s folklore!
So, we leave here for your consideration this description of the wonders you can find and enjoy down here in June! Talk to our travel professionals and make a Cusco trip your next vacation!
