As Indian Day is celebrated in Peru

The Inca Empire existed between the 11th and 16th century AD and included wholly or partly the territories of the present South American states Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina and Colombia.$ The supreme deity worshiped by the Inca is the Sun (Inti), the progenitor of life. Sacrifices and prayers were offered to him and feasts were arranged in his honor. One of them, Inti raimi (“The Feast of the Sun”), was celebrated on the day of the winter solstice, which falls here on about June 24 according to our calendar. Three days before this event, people from all over the empire gathered to the capital, the city of Cuzco in the territory of current Peru. The modern government of the state tries to uphold traditions, so an annual festival is appointed here on June 24, which is now more commonly referred to as “Indian Day”.

In the ancient empire for this holiday people put on the best clothes, military officers carried with them to the capital the best weapons, officials wore parade costumes. Of course, too much has changed since then, but the real holiday clothes and jewelry of Indians can be seen at this festival. The

beginning of the feast of Inti raimi was preceded by two days of preparation, during which it was prescribed to observe fast, not to light any fire. On the feast day, sacrifices were made to the sun, attended by the supreme ruler of the empire, Sapa Inca, who was considered a direct descendant of the deity. Of course, the modern festival is without sacrifice and fasting, and the role of the first person of the state is performed by an actor. Then according to ancient traditions the feast began, and nine days were set aside for all celebrations. Today, these days are filled with folklore performances by Indians of different tribes. The festival annually brings thousands of participants from Latin America and tourists to the city of Cusco.