Festival of the Sun at National Museum of the American Indian in New York Welcomes the Winter Solstice of the Andes

Inti Raymi, or the “Festival of the Sun,” is a celebration of the winter solstice throughout many Andean cultures. It will be celebrated at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Saturday, June 18, at the museum’s George Gustav Heye Center in New York from 1 to 4 p.m. The shortest day of the year in the Andes Mountains, this event welcomes the sun, longer days, plantings and harvests to follow. The countries of Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador are united in this festival, yet each community has its own unique way of celebrating. 

The festival celebration will include an opening blessing and the presentation of an altar followed by an afternoon of music and dance led by members of the Ecuadorean Kichwa Nation, headed by Fabian Manuela. All visitors will be welcome to participate in the festivities.

About the National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere—past, present and future—through partnership with Native people and others. The museum’s George Gustav Heye Center is located at One Bowling Green in New York City. For additional information, including hours and directions, visit americanindian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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SI-267-2016