Inti Raymi

I went to the Inti Raymi festival on June 24th. It is the biggest celebration in Cuzco. Hundreds of people dressed up in costumes to perform a play at Sacsaywayman, some Inca ruins. This event happens every year. The same play is performed. This year though, things were different. Instead of opening both hills for people to watch the play for free, they only opened one. 20,000 people show up for this thing every year, and it is a huge event. People bring their entire families and spend the day out there, picnicing, talking, and selling stuff.

This turn of events was not accepted by the locals. The people rioted. About 20 minutes into the play, a small group of young people threw rocks at the police and broke thorugh the police line. The cops tried to hold them back.

But, then, everyone started running up the hill. It was crazy. There weren't enough police to do anything about it. Everyone on our hill cheered their victory.

Within 5 minutes, the hill looked like this. I wonder if they'll try to close that hill next year?