June 21

Andean New Year

Get ready to ring in the Andean New Year with vibrant colors, traditional dances, and delicious food - a celebration not to be missed!

Yearly Date

June 21

Observed in

Bolivia

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Andean New Year on June 21, also known as Inti Raymi in Quechua, the traditional language of the Andean people. This holiday marks the winter solstice and is a time of celebration and renewal for many indigenous communities in South America. It has been celebrated for centuries and involves colorful parades, music, dancing, and offerings to the sun god Inti. This day is not only a time to honor ancient traditions, but also a chance to connect with nature and embrace the changing seasons. So join in on the festivities and start your year off with positivity and joy!

Andean New Year Timeline

1400s

Beginnings of Inti Raymi

During the Inca Empire in the 15th century, Inti Raymi was celebrated as a religious ceremony, offering tributes to the sun god Inti.

1533

Suppression of Inti Raymi

The Spanish conquerors banned Inti Raymi due to its pagan roots after conquering the Inca Empire.

1944

Resurgence of Traditions

The festival of Inti Raymi was revived in Cusco, Peru, and has since been celebrated annually.

2006

Recognition as Cultural Heritage

Bolivian President Evo Morales declared Andean New Year as a national holiday and part of Bolivia's cultural heritage.

2012

UNESCO Declaration

Andean New Year was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Present Day

Contemporary Celebrations

The Andean New Year is celebrated in South America with much fanfare, combining age-old traditions with modern festivities.

How to Celebrate Andean New Year

1 Attend a traditional ceremony

Experience the Andean culture by attending a traditional ceremony for the new year. This could include ceremonies such as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) or cleansing rituals.

2 Try traditional Andean foods

Celebrate the flavors of the Andean region by trying traditional foods such as quinoa, corn, and potatoes. You could even attend a cooking class to learn how to make these dishes yourself.

3 Go on a hike

Get in touch with nature and celebrate the Andean New Year by going on a hike in the mountains. This is a great way to appreciate the beautiful landscapes and connect with the traditions of the region.

4 Attend a music festival

Many cities and towns in the Andean region hold music festivals to celebrate the new year. Join in the festivities and dance to traditional Andean music.

5 Create a new year vision board

Set your intentions for the new year by creating a vision board with images and words that represent your goals and aspirations. This is a great way to manifest what you want in the upcoming year.

Why We Love Andean New Year

Celebration of tradition and culture

Andean New Year is a time to honor and celebrate the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Andean people. It's a chance to learn about their beliefs, customs, and way of life.

A spiritual and meaningful holiday

For many Andean communities, Andean New Year is not just a party - it's a deeply spiritual holiday that connects them with the natural world and their ancestors. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

Welcoming in a new cycle

Andean New Year marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle for many Andean communities. It's a time to set intentions for the coming year and to sow seeds for future abundance and prosperity. What better reason to celebrate?