Science and Nature news 
The Inti Raymi festival is a celebration of the sun god — ‘Inti’ meaning sun god and ‘Raymi’ meaning festival. It takes place around June 21st, to celebrate the summer solstice and the Andean New Year.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
Diablo Huma (also known as Aya Uma) is a central personality to the Inti Raymi and tends to be portrayed by the dancer leading the parade. The two faces of his mask represent the duality of day and night, bad and good, the sun and the moon. It is believed that Diablo Huma frightens demons away from the crops, with his whip an illustration of his power and authority.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
The Inti Raymi was first celebrated by the Inca ruler Pachacutec in the 1430’s and soon became the most important ceremony in the Inca Empire. In addition to signifying gratitude to the deity for agricultural production, it was also a way of guaranteeing a good harvest season for the year ahead.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
Inti Raymi faced restrictions in Ecuador during the Colonial Era, with the Spanish authorities considering it a pagan celebration. However, it continued to be secretly practised during this era, before resurfacing in the 20th Century as a public event to showcase Ecuador’s distinctive cultural heritage.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
Traditionally, the horse at the centre of the celebration carries 12 roosters, which are later presented to the village chief or elder as a gesture of reciprocity for the good harvest ahead.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
Villagers share a glass of Chicha, a fermented beverage made from cereals, fruits or roots, that has been made and consumed for centuries in South America.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
Bowls of grilled cuy (guinea pig), potatoes and boiled eggs are served for everyone to share. For the Cochas community, food reflects community and unity and an important part of Inti Raymi is coming together to eat and drink.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
Villagers gather in the main square as a local on horseback prepares to throw one of the 12 roosters to the village elder.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
Ecuadorian people are very proud of their clothing traditions. Each community and area of the country uses their own uniquely coloured fabrics and hats to showcase their heritage.
Photograph by Ben Pipe
This paid content article was created for Ecuador Tourism. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
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