Inti Raymi in Cayambe

A sacred bath for energy

The energy of the bowels of the earth, once a year, is felt in majestic scenarios that transmit a renewing energy. There are those who assure that rivers , waterfalls , lagoons and mountains are sacred sites , because they enter the vitality of the Ayas ( gods ), who transmit to man the force of nature and prepare him to honor the sun and the land , to the rhythm of juyayay ( strength ).          

In June , the Andean communities of Ecuador celebrate the biggest holiday, the Inti Raymi or Feast of the Sun . Every June 21, the sun falls perpendicularly on Earth, the days are sacred because of the abundance of food, and the man in the middle of the world honors the generosity of the earth with rituals of gratitude and purification.    

How is Inti Raymi celebrated in Cayambe?

In the Inti Raymi ceremonial baths are made, since pre-Inca times , to purify the body, soul and spirit, before the big celebration. In Cayambe, canton of northern Ecuador.

The Cariacu waterfall, for centuries have been the sacred scenario for men and women seeking an intimate contact with the Pachamama.    

Alfonso Andrade, dancer of the Campanilleros group, takes a short walk to reach the Cariacu waterfall, located 25 minutes from the city center. A path with abundant vegetation accompanies your steps, until you reach the waterfall that awaited you imposing, lonely, pure and with abundant energy

Ritual del Inti Raymi

On the eve of the Hatun Puncha or big day, the men who will incarnate the mystic Aya Huma come at night to the pakchas or sacred places to leave the clothing they will wear on the day of the great party. "The idea is that the suit takes the energy during the night, and the next day it is transmitted to the character so that he will dance with passion," said Alfonso.

At the multiple celebration characters relive traditions with colorful costumes and fervent joy. The famous Diablo Huma is the protagonist of this holiday, and all those who have the honor to represent it, consider the bath as inevitable, to charge energies for this great ceremony.

The suit is left in cascade, the night before the big party, the costume acquires the energy emanating from the Pachamama. The next day, very early, the men who represent the Aya Uma, are placed under the slope to take the energy of the water, vital element for the existence. The water is freezing but the force of nature is taking over its being. Between chants and words of encouragement, Aya Huma begins to put on her outfit.

His suit is made up of the coat that represents dominion over the lands; the strong, symbol of authority; the horn, an instrument that represents the wind and is used to alert and summon the party. To finish the preparation the mask is placed, with a set of meanings.

With the energies to the surface, the Aya Huma plays the bells and the chinucas, begin their dance sneaking. The energy of his being invades everything in his path to celebrate a celebration of joy, harmony, abundance and goodness.

In Cayambe the Inti Raymi ceremony is celebrated on June 21 at the Sacred Site of Puntiatzil. And for the 29th the symbolic capture of the Plaza is made. Participate in these ancestral rituals that allow you to discover your ancestral roots, live the traditions, fill yourself with uproar to the rhythm of the zapateo and get in harmony with the earth and the cosmos. Share with your people the traditional Pambamesa, a meal complemented with the grains of the earth, guinea pig with potatoes, Uchu Jacu colada, and the Guarango drink.

In addition, Cayambe is known as the “land of the cake”, enjoy these delicacies with leaf cheeses and milk delicacy. Do not forget to take a souvenir, like the most beautiful and best quality roses in the world. Here you can find the bouquets of 24 flowers of intense colors, only $ 3.00.

Come to Cayambe, enjoy your parties, renew your energies, get in harmony and discover that Ecuador is culture.