Every year, thousands of people gather in the Sinakara Valley in southern Peru to celebrate Qoyllur Rit’i, the Snow Star Festival.
This three-day festival is celebrated by native peoples from all across Peru and celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the sky, known as Qullqa in Quechua.
This celebration combines Incan, Catholic, and other indigenous beliefs and the appearance of this star cluster marks the beginning of the harvest, honors Jesus Christ, and also honors the local glacier, Ausangate, which is said to be sacred.
When is it?
Qoyllur Rit’i is usually held in late May or early June, coinciding with the full moon, and falls about a week before Corpus Christi.
Where is it?
Since the 1920s, pilgrims have come from all over the world and Peru to ascend 5200m (17000 feet) to Mount Sinakara, where the famous sanctuary is located. Then, another 6-hour hike is needed to reach the Apu of Ausangate to pay their respects to Christ, who is painted on the side of the sanctuary.
The Significance of the Qoyllur Rit’i
While caring for his father’s alpacas, Mariano met Manuel, a light-skinned boy. Manuel started giving Mariano food and the two boys became very good friends. Manuel then asked Mariano if he could make him a set of new clothes with the same cloth.
After visiting Cusco, Mariano learned that only the bishop wore the cloth and became curious about how a peasant acquired it. The Bishop followed Mariano back to his village and climbed the mountain to find Manuel in white and glowing.
When the Bishop touched the boy, he became a tayanka bush with Christ’s crucifix hanging from it. Mariano died thinking his friend was hurt and is buried here where Manuel appeared.
The tayanka tree was sent to Spain on orders of King Charles III and the local population protested until a replica was made, now known as Lord Tayankani.
Indigenous people began coming to this rock every year and created a shrine for the boy and religious authorities ordered a painting of the image of Christ’s crucifiction to be painted on the rock. This is now known as Lord Qoyllur Rit’i.
Every year, Qoyllur Rit’i pilgrims visit the Ausangate sanctuary at the base of Mount Sinakara, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
The Ten Nations, or brotherhoods, that belong to the surrounding areas attend the event and masses, simulated battles, and an ascension to Mount Sinakara comprise colorful festivities.
This festival also coincides with the emergence of the Pleiades constellation in the Southern hemisphere, bringing with it the beginning of the harvest season.
READ ALSO: Peru Traditions, Holidays & Festivals: The Annual Calendar Travelers Should Know
What to Expect During the Festival
This festival brings around 100,000 visitors per year from all over the world. There are massive processions and dances that create a very authentic atmosphere that is like no other place in the world.
Processions are divided into groups consisting of dancers, Christians who bear the crosses and statues of Christ, pilgrims/devotees who follow along, and many more.
On the last day, pilgrims wait for the sun to rise over the Andes Mountains in the “Sun Greeting” ceremony.
The Qoyllur Rit’i Festival is one of Cusco’s most exciting events. It is very unique to the Peruvian culture and is a wonderful way to see how locals have combined indigenous and Christian beliefs.
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