In less than an hour from arriving in Cusco, Peru…we turned the corner into the main square and were right in the middle of brilliant colors, throngs of people and tons of merry making. It didn’t take long to figure out the people of Cusco were preparing for the upcoming Inti Raymi Festival that will occur in June…June 24th to be precise…when thousands of Peruvians and visitors will celebrate the Festival of the Sun during a week long celebration. Dedicated to “Inti” or the sun god…the day signifies the New Year and the new harvest for the Peruvians.
My visit to Peru to hike the Inca trail in 1999 provided the opportunity to see first hand the Inti Raymi Festival and was certainly a festival that will never be forgotten. So wonderful to have another opportunity to see the city begin the preparations for this year. Little did I know this was just the beginning of several rituals throughout my week as the potato harvest was in full force in the countryside!
The appearance of dead llamas? The tradition of sacrificing an animal to ensure good crops!
After a week of go-go-go…it was nice to return home…appreciating salads after days of potatoes…a seat on my porcelain toilet…warmth from the freezing cold at night…all the things we take for granted and all the reasons that I love to travel…to return in total appreciation!
Over the next several posts I’ll share with you the beauty of the people…insights into their authentic life in the countryside…and potatoes!!
I can definitely vouch for Peru being a country of color, Robin…and festivals. I’m sure I’ll see it all differently now than when I was there in my 20s. Seeing your posts will be a special thrill, so I’ll be here in the front row, watching and waiting.
Thanks Ginnie! I thought of you so often knowing of your experiences back in the day! So stay tuned! Oh my…I hope I don’t disappoint! 🙂
I will join Ginnie in the front row here…! Welcome back to the land of toilets with seats! I can relate to that after days on Safari!
What an explosion of magnificent colours, wonderful faces and masks. Only the dead llamas are a sad sight.
Looking forward to seeing and learning more!
You were another on my mind during the entire trip…wondering about your big adventure!! Can’t wait to hear more and see your fabulous captures of all the wildlife! The good news the dead llamas are really stuffed animals..but certainly look real, don’t they? I had to go up to one just to check it out. Thank you for tagging along!
Relief! They really look very real!
I’m right there with Ginnie and Karen in the front row too! I love all the beautiful colors and can’t wait to hear all about the people and the potatoes! Welcome back frissy. XoXo
People and potatoes coming up! Thank you!! xoxo
Make a little spot for me, girls! Beautiful colors and lovely people … and I love taters!!
I so love taters too Susan! And when you never think you have enough…well on this trip you do! Because that is mostly what I ate… More to come! Thank you!!
The first thing I see is the color! Marvelous and looking forward to more!
Color galore! Thanks Elena!
how wonderful to be there to experience the festival. It is always so fascinating to peek into other cultures costumes. and love the colors!
A special treat since this was the second time! Looking in on other cultures is something that has always fascinated me! Thanks for coming along!
Wow I am some wonderful posts behind… Peru is colourful and so rich with pure culture. What a treasures you brought home. Absolute fabulous pictures.