The Ayacucho region, in south-eastern Peru, will celebrate its traditional Vilca Raymi Festival at the archaeological Inca complex of Vilcashuama in order to increase tourist arrivals during the national holidays.
Sunilda Ochoa, regional director of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur), noted the celebrations are carried out with the aim of fostering economic development in the area through carrying out tourism activities.
The event, which is due to run through Tuesday, July 29, is organized by the provincial municipality of Vilcashuaman and it is set to feature fairs representing industries ranging from agriculture and handicraft.
“We invite the population to take part and enjoy of this outstanding fest which will undoubtedly boost the region’s economic sector,” the tourist official said.
The Vilcas Raymi event commemorates the battle between the armies of the Chancas and the Incas which were the native cultures which flourished in the area in the Tahuantinsuyo era.
After Cusco, Peru’s most important Inca city is Vilcashuamán, the administrative center founded by Inca Pachacutec after the defeat of the Chancas. From there the highest authority of the Inca empire made offerings to the Sun while running other rituals.
The Vilcashuaman province, located 118 kilometers (73.2 miles) south from the city of Ayacucho, has as main attractive buildings to the Temple of the Sun and Moon and the archaeological site of Ushno Orcco.
(FIN) NDP/LIT/MAO
Published: 7/23/2014