On Monday, more than 400 inmates in Peru starred in the musical ‘Llactaman Kutiriq Raymi 2026’ in the city of Cusco. ‘Llactaman Kutiriq Raymi 2026’ means ‘The Festival Returns to My People’ in Quechua.
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This performance recreates the ancient initiation rituals of the Inca nobility in honor of Inti Raymi, the traditional Andean celebration held during the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Justice Ministry informed that this theatrical work represents ancient ceremonies of the Inca Empire of Tahuantinsuyo and military classification tests, functioning as a kind of ‘Inca Olympics’ to select warriors.
To achieve this, the inmates underwent more than two months of uninterrupted preparation through rehearsals, physical training, and artistic discipline instruction, with the participation of professionals from the Security and Treatment departments of the Cusco prisons.
The theatrical piece explores different moments of Inca tradition: the initiation ceremony, the entrance of the Inca and his imperial entourage, the Dances of the Four Suyos, and the ceremonial ritual.
It also features competitions of skill and endurance, including sprints, tug-of-war, human tower building, and jumping through rings of fire, culminating in a warrior act and an awards ceremony. The participants wore clothing inspired by Inca culture, which was made in the prison’s own workshops.
“The energy that Cusco brings is fueled by the energy of the inmates who are committed and proud of what our country, our culture, and what this great empire represented for all of humanity represent,” emphasized Justice Minister Luis Jimenez.
He also acknowledged the work of director Ernesto Miranda Concha, who first presented the project in 2015 and continues as its leader and choreographer.
The event has its roots in 2010, growing steadily in scale and artistic ambition. This year, the performance ‘Llactaman Kutiriq Raymi’ has the support of the Municipal Company for Festivities and Tourism Promotion of Cusco (Emufec), integrating it into the official activities of the city’s jubilee celebrations.
Source: teleSUR English
