Qoyllur Rit´I : an Original Cusco Tradition

Qoyllur Rit´i is an ancient religious festival held annually in honour of the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'I, which means Lord of Star Snow, at the Sinakara Valley in Cusco, the former capital of Inca Empir

The Qoyllur Rit´i festival attracts a large number of peasants from the surrounding regions divided in two groups: Paucartambo groups of Quechuas from the agricultural regions to the northwest of the sanctuary while Quispicanchis includes Aymaras from the pastoral regions to the southeast. Both make an annual pilgrimage to the feast bringing large troupes of dancers and musicians. Besides peasant pilgrims, attendants include Peruvian visitors and foreign tourists.

The festival takes place in early June, one week before the Christian feast of Corpus Christi. It consists of a number of processions and dances in and around the Lord of Qoyllur Rit´i shrine. The main event is carried out by ukukus who climb glaciers over Mount Colquepunku to bring back crosses and blocks of ice which are said to be medicinal.