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Lawrence, MA – From Cuzco, Peru to Lawrence, MA. The Asociación Peruanos Unidos (APU) proudly announces its first Inti Raymi ceremony.
The Inti Raymi (literally “Festival of the Sun”) is a time-honored ceremony celebrated on June 24th in historic Cuzco, Peru, once capital of the mighty Inca Empire. The festival was created by Inca emperor Pachacutec, to celebrate the New Year (or Winter Solstice) in the Andes. It honored Inti, the Sun God, and Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), deities to whom the ancient Peruvians prayed to make their land fertile and their crops abundant. Still celebrated in indigenous cultures throughout the Andes, the Inti Raymi is one of the largest festivals in South America and a source of pride to Peruvians.
As part of this year’s Hispanic Week celebration, the Asociación Peruanos Unidos (APU) will be presenting a re-enactment of the Inti Raymi celebration on Sunday, June 7, 2015 from 2 – 7pm at Saint Mary’s Auditorium located at 301 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA
“It is important for the younger generation to understand and respect the origins of our culture and be proud of who we are,” says Ms. Leonor Sanchez, founder of the United Peruvian Association.
The Inti Raymi celebration will begin with a colorful open-air procession. As in ancient Peru, the “Inca Emperor” will lead the procession followed by his “subjects” dressed in elaborate folk costume. Dancers – including the “Virgins of the Sun,” high Inca priestesses – from the four regions of Peru will entertain, and the New Inca Son musicians will perform their blend of lively Andean tunes on pan flutes and strings. In addition there will be a selection of handmade Peruvian crafts and delicious Peruvian cuisine.
Inti Raymi is a FREE event, and is sure to be a great celebration for everyone! Come and watch history unfold, listen to the mystical sounds of the Andes, sample our native dishes and dance to our lively “huaynos,” “cumbias,” and music from around Latin America.
The United Peruvian Association is a non-profit organization established in 1994. It was formed to preserve, promote and enhance Peruvian culture as a means to enrich the Merrimack Valley community through the sharing of traditional music, dance and cultural diversity.
Contact
For more information about this event, please contact
Ana Camargo, Treasurer
Asociacion Peruanos Unidos
P O Box 924
Lawrence, MA 01842
978-397-8343
