The main square of the ancient capital of the Inca empire was the meeting point for more than 350 institutions, including delegations from Lima, Arequipa, Cajamarca and Apurimac.

Local authorities opened the parade by ringing the 16th-century cathedral's bell at 07:30 am and then they carried a giant flag of Tahuantinsuyo to the main square, where they sang the city's anthem.

The parade of delegations followed soon after with participants marching and dancing in colorful ethnic costumes, to the rhythms of traditional music of Cusco, located 1,650 kilometers southeast of Lima.

Most participants donned red ponchos and black and white hats; while tourists, amazed by the festive atmosphere, never stopped dancing and taking pictures.

The parade was a precursor to the weekend's main event — the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun - scheduled for Sunday, June 24 at the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman in Cusco.

(END) PHS/JOT/RZZ/EEP