The Cusquenians Festivities

In 1944 Humberto Vidal Unda was vice-president of the American Art Institute, a cultural institution that reunited artists, intellectuals, all committed to the tradition of Cusco, but also to its progress. At the heart of this institution, he suggested to dedicate one day of the civil calendar to the specific celebration of the Andean city. It is decided that the best opportunity would be June 24th, given that since time immemorial the winter solstice was the occasion for the most important celebrations. The date of the Spanish creation of the city, March 23rd, was excluded, given the existence of the city many centuries before.

It is clear that Vidal’s convincing presentation of the proposal guaranteed its success.

Such it was that on January 8th, 1944, it was agreed to celebrate The Day of Cusco on June 24th every year, reincorporating into universal culture one of the greatest celebrations of the Inca culture: the Inti Raymi. The first Celebration of the Day of Cusco, instituted in commemoration of its glorious past, counted with the participation of the then President of the Republic, Dr. Manuel Prado.

Ever since the inhabitants of Cusco celebrate the Jubilee Month of Cusco, with a series of protocol, artistic, and cultural events, which attract thousands of national and foreign tourists.

The main date of this celebration is June 23rd, day when the various public, private, religious, political and other organisations, dressed-up with ponchos and sombreros that are typical of the area, accompanied by musical groups of caperos, perform a march through the main atrium, saluting the authorities and the public present in the Cusco main square. As the hours pass the excitement increases. Finally, as midnight approaches, the inhabitants begin to chant the notes of the sacred hymn to Cusco, and the parade continues until the last delegation marches by. When this traditional event finishes, the population return to their homes and prepare for the Inti Raymi.