The festival of Inti Raymi falls on June 24th in celebration of Wiracocha, the Incan sun god for the empire of Tawantinsuyu. Acted out by over 500 performers, it is one of the largest celebrations in South America and is located at Sacsayhuamán in Cusco. The celebration serves to commemorate the marriage between the Sun and the sons of the Sun, or in simple terms: humans.
The celebration falls on June 24th because it marks the winter solstice according to the Incan sundial, Pacha Unachaq. The Incans believed that the sun remains in the same spot for a bit before rising on this day, which is deemed the New Year for the Sun. Men and women show respect for their fallen empire and wear gold and silver, which serves to symbolize high status in their rich cultural heritage.
During this festival, people perform a toast called a chicha, from two different Keros (containers). One of these toasts is a tribute to the land and the gods, while the other honors the visitors. The high priest and Sapa Inca give an oration in Quechua, the ancient Incan language. The first time the Defense and Taking of the Fortress of Saqsaywaman was presented on stage was in 1928. In the past, llamas were sacrificed as a part of the festivities, but today the animal sacrifice is only acted out.
Another tradition of the festival is the start of the new fire. There was no fire allowed during this day. When it was time to start the new fire, it was kindled through a mirror that projected the rays of the sun on animal fur. The fire was then used to light other fires throughout the main square.
Sources:
http://www.cusco.net/articulos/intiraymi.htm
http://www.quechuanetwork.org/inti_raymi.cfm?lang=e
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