Festival of the Sun 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 20, in Washington, D.C., from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and in New York at the museum’s George Gustav Heye Center 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. 

At the museum on the National Mall, visitors can enjoy cultural performances by Tinkus Llajtamanta, Hijos de Colca and Tradiciones Bolivianas, set to the music of Inca Wayra and Sol de los Andes, as they share their music and dances in honor of one of the oldest celebrations in the Andes. Visitors can make their own Andean pendant, and learn more about the music of the Andes and visitors can then make a sun-inspired mask. This activity is co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Latino Center.

 The George Gustav Heye Center in New York’s Festival of the Sun celebration will include an opening blessing and the presentation of an altar followed by an afternoon of music and dance. This will be led by members of the Ecuadorean Kichwa Nation, headed by Fabian Manuela, and will also include performers from Ayazamana and Kaylla. All visitors will be welcome to participate in the festivities.

For additional information, visit www.AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media on Facebook, Twitter (@SmithsonianNMAI and @AmerIndianNYC) and Instagram (@SmithsonianNMAI and @Smithsonian_NMAINY).

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SI-270-2015