The Inca Festival of Warachikuy
A Noble Competition
In the days of the Inca Empire, the festival of 
Warachikuy was rite of passage for youths of the nobility, in which they became men and their future was determined. Those who performed best in rigorous tests of skill and valor would find themselves well-ranked for military or civil service, inducted into the hierarchy or excluded from it, deemed apt for war, the administration of the Tahuantinsuyu Empire, and marriage. It would occur at regular intervals or when the need arose. Warachikuy was often included within the celebrations of Qhapac Raymi, a festival as associated with the summer solstice as Inti Raymi with the winter solstice. It was begun by the children of the Inca, who wished to be known and respected throughout the Empire as able warriors. Warachikuy, comes from wara, loincloths or shorts awarded only to those deemed worthy to don them, part of the system of insignias, honors, and rank which would be recognized then and after, in peace and war. The festival allows for valuable insight into the training and preparation of Inca leaders, which was based on physical and mental aptitude as much as pedigree, as even the children of the Inca empire were submitted to such tests.
A Modern Spectacle
Today it is still an important festival of national identity, but the modern interpretation resembles more a youthful and local Olympic Games for those finishing their schooling and about to enter society as adults- although its cultural and historical significance has not been lost. You can watch its reenactment on the Esplanade of Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking Cusco, on the 3rd Sunday of September. Some 1,500 participate. Emblematic of Inca glory, the continuance of Warachikuy is intended to inspire local youth to value and love an Andean cultural heritage and identity which has at times been spurned.
Pirwa Hostels and B&Bs has 4 different locals near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, so if you´re planning a trip to the Imperial City in September make yourself comfortable without busting your budget- we offer comfy beds, 24hr hot water, self-catering kitchens, cable TV, and more in either private rooms or dormitory accomodations, always at modest prices. The 3rd Sunday is the 18th of September, when you can grab a spot (perch on a rock) in nearby Sacsayhuamán on the city´s outskirts and catch the action!
The Event
Sacsayhuaman prepare
s for the arrival of the youth with a gala of colorful folkloric dances.
Brilliantly attired Inca armies from 4 barracks, each representing a suyu (corner) of the Empire, arrive at Sacsayhuamán chaning “Haylli!”- triumph. Antisuyu arrives from the National College of Sciences in Plaza San Francisco, Kontisuyu from the Plaza de Armas, Chinchaysuyu from the Sun Temple of Qorikancha, and Qollasuyu from Plaza Rimaqpampa. In Sacsayhuamán, an Inca official convenes the armies, who enter to the 
music of Andean wind instruments waving brilliant banners, while flags of Tahuantinsuyu flutter overhead in the 500 watchtowers. Pichaqkunas, those charged with sweeping impurities from and strewing flowers over the path of the Inca, are followed by the officials of the Inca court and the royal family, culminating with the arrival of the Inca in his litter.
The Inca proceeds with the Sun Greeting Ritual and leads the populace in the Sun Hymn, followed by the Rite of Chicha (a fermented corn drink), the fire rite, and a rite during which a herd of black llamas´ ears are pierced and ornamented with woven ribbons in the 7 colors of Tahuantinsuyu.
Throughout the event Tests of Skill are interspersed with War Dances:
- Speed: marathon encircling Cusco and Sacsayhuamán obstacle course
- Strength: tug of war over a line of fire
- Resistance: suspends competitors from a height for battle, with the losers falling
- Skill: acrobatics within circles of fire
- Risk: crossing chords over a fire
- Aim: bow and arrow and lance competitions
- Valor: ascent of hanging bridges
The war dances include the Amaru (Snake) 
Dance, performed with the Muru Urkuque, the woven rope from the Temple of the Sun, the Kuntur (Condor) Dance of the Kuntisuyus, K´achampa dance of the Qollasuyus (characterized by the yawar mayu or the river of blood to demonstrate virility and valor), the costumed Puma Dance of the Chinchaysuyus, and the Q’ara Ch’uncho of the Antisuyus.
Mock Battle
The main events are the Taqanakuy, when Hanan Qosqo and Hurin Qosqo warriors face off in hand to hand combat, and the Inka paq’areq ritual battle, which will continue until the Inca declares peace. Only after this final battle will the youth undergo graduation, with the victors receiving champis and waras from the Inca himself. Sacsayhuaman will then explode into jubilation as the armies retire to the sounds of flutes and whistles and the yell of