The Inti Raymi was held at the University of Azuay

This June 21, winter solstice, for the second consecutive year the University of Azuay celebrated the Inti Raymi.

In order to rescue this tradition of more than 500 years, Ángel Saca, shaman of Saraguro, was invited to perform the ceremony together with the students and directors of the institution.

According to Diego Suárez, Professor of Anthropology at the University, the aim is to thank Pachamama for food, health, Andean families and prosperity throughout the year.

For this reason, a cross with rose petals is drawn on the ground and at each end it is decorated with the given crops such as: peas, beans, wheat, zambo seeds, apples and pears.

On the other hand, the authorities of the University were located at the tips of the cross to receive the necessary energy to lead the professors and students.

Maria Poma, wife and assistant of the shaman, explained the importance of the cleanliness of the authorities: "We have as a disease of the malaire, street sickness, we are sometimes stressed. All of that we blow with those medicines to take that disaster from us. "

The event ended with folk dances and a marriage ceremony. The attendees were also made clean and crafts from the Oñacapac community were sold.