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Inti Raymi
Entry 45 of 49 | show all | print this entry |
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So now I'm by myself in Cuzco, Alon went to Ecuador and I can't find a place to stay because of the Inti Raymi festival, so Cuzco is jammed with tourists and locals. I did manage to find a place sleeping on the floor at the hotel, which is better then nothing.
There were tons of people in Cuzco, you had to walk shoulder to shoulder in the street, and it seemed like almost everyone were out to take something from you, I had an old woman purposely walk slowly in front of me so someone else behind me could grab my bag and try to cut it. It was a quality side bag so they didn't get far before I pulled it away, but it certainly made this festival a bit less festive.
Vendors were everywhere, selling their wares, mostly food. You haven't lived until you saw an old woman selling bar-be-qued rats on a stick.
The festival itself was very cool. The vents began with a precession in Cuzco in front of Santo Domingo church (built on top of the Temple of the Sun). Sapa Inca asks for a blessing form the sun, and is carried on a golden throne to an old fortress outside and above Cuzco named Sacsayhuamán, in the hills above Cuzco. Joining him there are Mama Occla on her throne, priests, officials, and others which I didn't know what they were, but they were all dressed in elaborate customs.
When they got to the fort, Sapa Inca climbed on a stage / altar so everyone around could see him. He made a speech, which I couldn't understand or hear one word, and others made speeches as well. A llama was brought on to be sacrificed, I must say that even though the llama wasn't hurt it looked very elobrate and realistic. The llama's heart was then held up high for all to see.
Overall:
I expected a bit more, but it was an exciting experience and I'm glad I stayed
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