Ingles

 The Importance of the Inti Raymi Celebration

In Ingapirca, Inti Raymi is celebrated for several days, generally between June 17 and 23. Usually the

program begins the morning of the first day with the ritual ceremony of gratitude, after which musical and dance groups from the different communities in the sector perform. According to some historians, it was established by the Inca Pachacutec in the 1430s, as a way of thanking Inti (Sun) and Pachamama (Mother Earth) for the abundance of the crops. The people who participate in this festival wear a goatleather zamarro, a poncho of various colors highlighting red, a large scarf that covers their head, a hat with colored ribbons and a mask made of wire mesh.

 At the festival, all people eat the typical dish of that region that contains mote, potatoes, guinea pig, cheese, this is considered 'the food of the gods', and the drink is chicha de jora or a corn-based drink. 

The main activities that take place during the Ecuadorian Inti Raymi are spiritual and involve purification in rivers and waterfalls, as well as various forms of cultural expression, such as dances, costumes, and the enjoyment of traditional cuisine. The Inty Raymi is in itself the symbol of the gratitude of the Andean peoples who offer to Paccha Mama (mother earth), for the kindness of having allowed a good production and harvest of traditional products.