This ceremony was started inside the CORICANCHA in the presence of the SUN representation that was made of very polished gold that at the SUNRISE was reflected with a blinding brilliance.
Then the INCA, along with his noblemen, went toward the great Plaza through the INTI ' IQLLU or STREET of the SUN (present-day LORETO street) in order to witness the LLAMA SACRIFICE.
The WILLAQ UMA (High Priest) had to perform the LLAMA sacrifice offering a completely BLACK or WHITE LLAMA.
With a sharp ceremonial golden knife called TUMI he had to open the animal's chest and with his hands pulled out its heart, lungs, and viscera, so that observing those elements he could foretell the future. Later, the animal and its parts were completely incinerated.
After the sacrifice, the High Priest had to produce the SACRED FIRE. Staying in front of the SUN he had to get its RAYS in a CONCAVE GOLD MEDALLION that contained some soft or oily material in order to produce THE FIRE that had to be kept during the next year in the CORICANCHA and the ACLLAWASI (House of Chosen Women).
Subsequently the priests offered the SANQHU that was something like "HOLY BREAD" prepared from maize flour and blood of the sacrifice LLAMA; its consumption was entirely religious.
When all the ritual stages of the INTI RAYMI were finished, all the attendants were positioned in the SOUTH-WESTERN Plaza's sector named KUSIPATA (present day Plaza del Regocijo) where after being nourished, people were entertained with music, dances and abundant chicha.
In the present day, the INTI RAYMI is staged annually in SACSAYHUAMAN on JUNE 24 with the participation of hundreds of actors wearing typical outfits.
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