23 saved#4,179 of 6,224

Inti Raymi

Experience the vibrant cultural celebration of Inti Raymi - a festival honoring the sun god with colorful parades, music, and traditional dances!

Wednesday

June 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEJune 24

OBSERVED INPeru

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYIndigenous

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for June 24 because it's time to celebrate Inti Raymi, a festival that dates back to the Incan Empire! This colorful and vibrant celebration honors the Sun God, Inti, and marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a time for giving thanks, making offerings, and celebrating with music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. The festivities continue today in Peru and other Andean countries as a way to preserve their cultural heritage. So get ready to join in on the fun and soak up the rich history and traditions of Inti Raymi!

TIMELINE

Inti Raymi Timeline

Inti Raymi's Origin

Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, was first celebrated by the Inca Empire to mark the winter solstice and to honor the sun god, Inti.

Spanish Conquest

The Spanish conquistadores arrived in Peru, impacting Inti Raymi and other indigenous rituals because of restrictions imposed by the Catholic Church.

Inti Raymi Banishment

Inti Raymi was banned by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, who considered it a pagan ceremony contrary to the Catholic faith.

Inti Raymi Revival

Faustino Espinoza Navarro revived the festival in a historical reconstruction based on chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega's descriptions.

Tourist Attraction

Today, Inti Raymi has become a major cultural event and tourist attraction, celebrated with traditional dances and parades in Cusco, Peru.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Inti Raymi

Attend a traditional Inti Raymi celebration

Experience the rich culture and traditions of Inti Raymi by attending a traditional celebration. You can find these events in cities with high populations of Andean communities or by doing a quick search online.

CREATE

Create a traditional Inti Raymi feast

Research traditional Inti Raymi recipes and prepare a feast to share with friends and family. This is a great way to try new foods and learn more about the culture and cuisine of Inti Raymi.

LEARN

Learn about Andean culture and history

Take some time to learn about the history and traditions of the Andean people, who are the main celebrants of Inti Raymi. You can read books, watch documentaries, or even visit museums to gain a better understanding of this important cultural event.

CREATE

Create a traditional Inti Raymi outfit

Get creative and make your own traditional Inti Raymi outfit! This can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike, and is a great way to honor and celebrate the cultural significance of this holiday.

ATTEND

Attend an Inti Raymi festival or parade

Many cities around the world hold Inti Raymi festivals and parades, where you can see colorful costumes, traditional dances, and other cultural performances. Attend one of these events to celebrate and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Inti Raymi.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Inti Raymi

It's a time to give thanks

In addition to celebrating Incan culture, Inti Raymi is also an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings in one's life. Offerings are made to the god Inti as well as Pachamama (Mother Earth), symbolizing gratitude for the bountiful harvest and abundance of nature.

It's a celebration of Incan culture and heritage

Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is a traditional Andean ceremony that pays homage to the Inca god Inti. It's a beautiful and vibrant celebration of Incan history and culture, with colorful costumes, dances, and rituals.

It brings people together

Inti Raymi is not only a cultural festival, but it also serves as a way for communities to come together and celebrate their shared heritage. People from all over Peru and even around the world gather to participate in this joyous occasion.

Related holidays

SUN

Jun 2026

Culture

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!

Aymara New Year Day

Get ready to ring in the new year with a unique twist - Aymara New Year Day celebrates traditions, culture, and new beginnings!

Peru Independence Day

Get ready to fiesta like there's no mañana! It's time to celebrate Peru Independence Day with traditional food, music, and cultural festivities. Viva Perú!

International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice

Get ready to soak up the sun and celebrate the longest day of the year with fun activities, delicious food, and good company on International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice!

23Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API