Inca Initiation Ceremony in Cusco

The Warachicuy, an initiation ceremony that dates back to the Empire of the Incas, expresses the attitude and aptitude of Inca youth for holding leading positions in the Tawantinsuyo (the Empire). The traditional ceremony was held in a time when it was imperative for any empire to be supported by men well trained both physically and mentally.

Military success and social discipline where at the base of an empire that stretched from actual Ecuador to the north of Argentina, including most of Peru and large areas of Bolivia and Chile. Back then, Warachikuy was a sacred ritual, a compromise that men had to honour.

The modern ceremony, held every year the 3rd Sunday of September, is a representation of the traditional Warachikuy. Nevertheless, it’s and impressive display of folklore, music and organization that involves 1,500 artists, among dancers and musicians. This year, it’s scheduled for Sunday 17th September at 10am, in Cusco’s Sacsayhuamán explanade.

At the shout of “haylliy!”, victory in Quechua, more than one thousand warriors/performers, aligned just as the Inca army did, will charge towards the Sacsayhuamán fortress in a brave attempt to take it over. This is the beginning of the Warachicuy, the initiation ceremony that celebrated the passage towards adulthood of the Inca aristocracy. As in the old Inca times, the actual representation goes through the three phases of the ceremony: the Ritual stage, the competitive or warrior stage, and the festive or war dance stage.

During the Warachicuy ceremony, noble youngsters got their first Wara (breechcloth), which assured them the Inca citizenship and the eligibility for marriage and war. It wasn’t though an easy task: in order to succeed, they had to pass through severe athletic tests and sham battles. Indeed, not everybody participated: there was a tough previous selection on the base of health tests and physical capabilities. The ultimate goal of the ceremony was for the young to convince the great Inca that they qualified as public men and could become great warriors.

The rite is accompanied with Andean music and dances. On the stalls, many street vendors offer traditional food and drinks.

For more information regarding tickets and useful tips, check the website of Cusco’s Festivities Authority (currently only in Spanish)

Add comment September 9th, 2006