Raymi Llaqta Tourist Week: The grand Chachapoya festival

Raymi Llaqta celebrates the rich cultural identity of the Amazon and brings communities together to forge stronger bonds.

From May 30 to June 8, there is a big party happening that lights up the Amazon region. It is the XXVIII Tourist Week Raymi Llaqta of the Chachapoya, and its main event falls on June 8. This special edition marks its bicentennial celebration and promises a tour lasting about five hours. Over 50 villages, rich in cultural heritage from the Chachapoya region, along with the vibrant cultures of the Awajun and Wampis, will be participating in the festivities.

Music, vibrant colors, and traditional dances blend in a parade that fosters community bonds and cultural identity. Let's explore the rich tapestry of this significant celebration in Peru.

Photograph: Miguel Mejía / PROMPERU

ORIGIN

Raymi Llaqta, a Quechua phrase translating to "The feast of the people," is fully embraced in the city of Chachapoyas. During this celebration, people from the seven provinces of the Amazon region come together in large numbers to celebrate their pride and identity through dances, traditions, rituals, shared experiences, and music.

The Amazonas Tourism Week began in 1996. A year later, organizers decided to add the celebration of Raymi Llaqta of the Chachapoya to the festivities. This was aimed at honoring the anniversary of the Battle of Higos Urco when they clashed with Spanish troops on June 6, 1821. This triumph solidified Amazonas' independence.

It is important to note that this week also marks the commemoration of this battle. It began with a flag procession, followed by a civic parade, and ended with an afternoon of social gatherings at the site of this historical event: the Pampas de Higos Urco.

Photograph: Miguel Mejía / PROMPERU

THIS IS HOW WE CELEBRATE!

During Amazonas Tourist Week and Raymi Llaqta, the Pacari Raymi happens, a renowned "albazo" where people hit the streets at dawn, parading until they reach the Main Square.

During each day of the celebration, it is worth noting that various activities happen, like the "Picking up of the Purumacho totem." This totem is a significant sculpture that symbolizes the deities of the Chachapoya culture.

As the "albazos" begins, there is also the "Fiesta de mi barrio" (My neighborhood party), a food festival showing and offering a taste of traditional Amazonian dishes. And do not miss out on the popular "cultural nights," featuring photo displays, literary showcases, vibrant dances, and music gigs.

Photograph: Miguel Mejía / PROMPERU

THE FIRE FESTIVAL

Also called Nina Raymi, this event brings the element of fire to life as the main character. It happens at night in the four corners of the Main Square, featuring the enactment of the region's most renowned legends.

This festival features a special event that gathers top artisans from the Amazon region, showcasing exquisite crafts like Awajun pottery and Huancas pottery, the latter being recognized as a National Cultural Heritage.

This week, we will encourage tourists to visit some iconic spots in the region, like the Kuelap archaeological complex, the breathtaking Gocta waterfall, the scenic Sonche canyon, and the intriguing Karajia Sarcophagi, among others.
 

Photograph: Miguel Mejía / PROMPERU

CELEBRATION SYMBOL OF THE AMAZON

Undoubtedly, the Chachapoya Raymi Llaqta Tourist Week has become the highlight of the Amazon region’s calendar. It is a vibrant celebration that represents the diverse cultural legacy of the Chachapoya civilization.

In this regard, the festival has also sparked significant economic growth for local communities. They see this event as the perfect chance to display their culture and sell their handmade goods, showing their economy in the process.