Raymi Llaqta: The People’s Festival
The Chachapoya people lived (and still live) in the Amazonas region of northern Peru. This pre-Incan civilization remains little known. However, it boasts incredible builders (as evidenced by the Kuelap fortress, the “Machu Picchu of the North“) and formidable warriors. They were among the most resistant peoples against the Incas. These “Warriors of the Clouds” remained in the shadow of the Incas for a long time. But following their “submission,” they attempted to overthrow the empire by allying with the Spanish conquistadors.
Today, numerous archaeological discoveries and recent tourism developments are bringing this exceptional civilization back into the spotlight.
The Raymi Llaqta tourism week helps promote and discover the history and traditions of the region. Between culture and festivities, we invite you to join us in discovering Amazonas in a new light.
Origin of Raymi Llaqta
Raymi Llaqta (or Raymillaqta) translates from the Quechua language as “Festival of the People.” It is part of the Tourism Week organized every year in the capital of the Amazonas region, Chachapoyas, located at an altitude of 2,335 meters.
This tourism week was established in 1996, and the first Raymi Llaqta took place in 1997. The event usually occurs during the first week of June to include the key date of June 6th. Indeed, on June 6, 1821, the Battle of Higos Urco took place. On that day, Royalist troops and independence fighters clashed in Chachapoyas. The victory of the latter ensured the region’s independence. Peru declared its independence on July 28 of the same year (National Day).
Raymi Llaqta: Expression of Chachapoya Cultural Identity
This was the starting point for organizing this special week. But the week is also an opportunity for the inhabitants of the 84 districts that make up the region for cultural exchange and the expression of Chachapoya identity. They come to showcase their customs and traditions. Everyone celebrates the victory of the Battle of Higos Urco; sometimes, reenactments of this battle are performed.
Visitors can enjoy photo exhibitions, conferences, and fireworks… You can also attend the “fiesta de mi barrio” (my neighborhood party) every day. Each day, a different neighborhood of the city is chosen to organize festive events and tastings of regional products.
The Parade of the Chachapoya People
The highlight of the event is the parade through the city streets. Spectators enjoy this procession in traditional dress, accompanied by music and dancing.
For hours, representatives from the communities of Leymebamba, Cuispes, Choctamal, and as far as Condorcanqui and Amazonian peoples show themselves in their finest attire. It is a festival of vibrant colors with magnificent fabrics and sometimes bird feathers.
The admiring crowd gathers in large numbers, and it is wise to protect yourself with a good hat and water to avoid the risk of heatstroke.
There is always a bit of concern for the young women who come to parade from Condorcanqui, the Amazonian part of the region. Indeed, they wear their traditional outfits at a much higher altitude and therefore in generally much cooler temperatures than they are used to. Regardless, they always make a beautiful impression with their bright colors.
These are far from the Andean ponchos that protect against cold and rain. Moreover, during the parade, it is interesting to see the different patterns on these garments, which at first glance might seem “standardized.”
While the color is often a “wine-red” hue, the patterns—though subtle—are nonetheless distinctive. One can recognize and distinguish residents of Leymebamba or Choctamal by the motifs on their Ponchos.
Raymi Llaqta: A Showcase for Chachapoya Culture
Raymillaqta has become a major annual gathering for communities to showcase their craftsmanship and promote their magnificent region. The objective is now to promote the region and show the diversity of traditions and cultures, offering the various communities visibility to the rest of the country and even the world.
After a full and festive week, Chachapoyas returns to its calm, but patronal festivals continue throughout June and beyond in the villages with the celebrations of San Pablo, San Juan…
