Sport in Spain has become an important part of Spanish culture. It can actually be performed anywhere, but for some exercises, of course, some places lend themselves better than others. This is also true of cycling in Spain. Of all the islands Spain possesses, Mallorca is by far the best cycling island. It is also the largest of the Balearic Islands. The mountainous landscape, good cycling facilities and infrastructure help this. You can explore the island by bike almost all year round and every season brings something special here. This completely changes the look of the island and makes cycling on Mallorca never boring. Not only in Spain itself are many cycling vacations offered, also from the Netherlands many organizations go that way every year. You do not have to be a professional cyclist if you would like to join in. Cycling on Mallorca is very accessible for young and old, as long as there is enough guidance for the little ones, of course.

• It is useful to distinguish between two levels: the sportive cyclist and the recreational cyclist.
• Sporty cyclists will cycle more inland. Here you sometimes have climbs of up to 6% that are a few kilometers long.
• For recreational cyclists, the distances are often shorter and less demanding. In addition, there are more frequent stops to enjoy the scenery and to have a drink.

Cycling in Mallorca

A wide variety of routes, with many beautiful turns, different altitudes and excellent cycling facilities. Mallorca is 70 kilometers wide and 100 kilometers long. It has an average temperature of nineteen degrees and has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters that lends itself extremely well to bicycle tours. If you decide to go with your own bike, do consider the bike case supplement. This can also just be a bike box. However, it is advisable to pack the bike well or rather leave it at home to avoid any damage to the bike during transport. Once arrived in Mallorca, there are several tourist information centers where free bike routes are available for those who like to explore the island by themselves or with and group. For a clear distinction between the different levels, there are two different groups: the recreational cyclist and the sportive cyclist.

Sporty cyclists will do real day trips between 70 and 140 km per day at a higher speed. However, there are often different levels in this as well, as some of the climbs can be quite high. This can sometimes range from 4% to 9%. The sporty cyclist will also cycle mostly inland where the mountains are highest and the turns sharper. The "Serra de Tramuntana" and the "Serra de Llevant" are also by far the most popular destinations for beautiful and challenging cycling routes.

The recreational cyclist will take it a little easier. The routes will mostly be around the island or in between the mountain ranges. This way, even the little ones can just join in. Wearing a helmet is mandatory and gives that extra bit of safety. The average speed will also be relatively lower than that of the sporty cyclists. The average will be between 15 km/h and 20 km/h. These are often not day trips, but small trips of two or three hours with several stops to enjoy the scenery with a refreshing drink.

Don't feel like biking for a while? No problem! Mallorca is pre-eminently a child-friendly island and thus also has excellent beach facilities. You can also enjoy shopping in the capital Palma de Mallorca. Every year the famous cycling event the 'Challenge Ciclista a Mallorca' is also held there. Here a series of a total of four one-day races are held. Some of the biggest names in cycling have already taken part. For those who do not feel like cycling for a while can still watch it in peace and quiet. In short, no one will be bored here.

Calling all fellow Game of Thrones fans: care to catch a coveted sneak peek at the kingdom of Dorne? Most viewers will behold, for the first time, small screen imagery of the seventh realm sometime next year when season five of HBO’s most popular show ever finally airs. But keep in mind that some filming locations for next season have already been announced; parts of Spain’s southern province and city of Seville will serve as the southron region of the mythical continent of Westeros. All this certainly means that a journey to Seville may be in order, where you’ll get an early first-hand glimpse of Dornish esthetic appeal. 

Seville’s Royal Alcázar palace, a former Moorish fortress complete with wonderful crenulated parapets and cool archways, will most fittingly depict the Water Gardens, the private residence of Dorne’s rulers House of Martell. Film crews plan to dye the waters in the Mercury fountain and pool a mysterious blue, a bold move considering the enduring, valuable, and likely fragile existence of the pool’s 16^th century Statue of Mercury. Filming is scheduled to take place here from October 14 to 22.

Excited observers have wasted no time in pointing out unmistakable similarities between Andalusia’s sunny and sportive capital Seville and Dorne’s capital Sunspear: beyond the similar arid climates, consider Seville’s celebrated copper-topped Giralda tower, an architectural masterpiece from the 12^th century, and Sunspear’s Spear Tower, an intriguing steel-topped structure that towers 150 feet into Dornish skies to dominate the city’s skyline.

Seville’s mayor has called the shoot selection a “magnificent opportunity for Seville”, adding that the show will “project the city’s image all over the world”. Indeed, these words are not wind; 13.6 million viewers around the planet tune in to watch the fantasy series. The international press has been abuzz with coverage of the story, often highlighting Seville’s rich cultural heritage.

Intense thrones drama filming will also occur in Osuna, a village of just under 18,000 located a convenient day trip away from Seville. Attractions here include sweet 16^th century mansions, scenic rock quarries and a striking sandstone bull ring. One panoramic glimpse at the ring conjures epic visions of Daznak’s Pit, where the gates of fate await!

The Song of Ice and Fire

The author of the Song of Ice and Fire novels (which the show is based on) has described Dorne as “definitely influenced a bit by Spain” going on to add that the closest real-life equivalent would be "the Moorish influence in parts of Spain”. In that context, the capital city of Andalusia makes perfect sense as a dynamic backdrop to awesome Game action. The city flourished after the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8^th century.   

While in Seville, you could use your high Valyrian or Dothraki as lingua francas when communicating with local unconditional GoT fanatics, but this is also a great chance to learn and practice Spanish, the second most spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers.

So head to Seville and prepare to check out filming locations and to immerse yourself in a city that embodies the essence of southern Spain, where the fragile fragrance of orange blossoms blends in the sun soaked air with succulent scents of tapas and impassioned rhythms of flamenco. Look forward to seeing you there!

Ibiza; the island for anyone who wants to escape the daily grind and let the magic of this special island wash over them. Around the 60s and 70s it was the place to be for the elite and sun worshippers. Luxury, party and enjoyment were the keywords of this island. Ibiza became famous because of the big rise of the hippies. This and its image as a party island lasted until the 1990s when it experienced a small decline in the number of tourists. Fortunately only short-lived, because after a few years, life on the island of Ibiza began to pick up and people returned en masse to relive that feeling of luxury, party and enjoyment. Nowadays, this Spanish island is all over again and shows it in its full glory.

• More than 160 kilometers of coastline and 50 beaches surround this Spanish island.
• Ibiza has become a spiritual island thanks to the hippie movement. Much of this can still be seen today.
• 'Playa d'en Bossa' is the most famous beach where you can be entertained day and night, thanks in part to the famous club 'Bora Bora' located nearby.

Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands group and is popularly known as "Eivissa. Part of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands, it has a total area of 572 ^km2 and is about three times the size of Texel. The island is located in the east of the Spanish peninsula and is easily reached by boat or plane. The image that Ibiza formed thanks to the hippies in the 1960s and 1970s is still present to some extent today. The many alternative healers who have lodgings here, the hippie markets and the relaxed atmosphere here only confirms this. Besides, it doesn't matter how you are dressed, or who you are. The tourists and locals have an open attitude, because everyone comes here with the same goal: to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and have a good time. This place is also very popular with famous Dutch people.

Clubs in Ibiza

The capital of Ibiza, Ibiza Town is best known for its many bars and clubs. It is the best place on the island when it comes to going out. Here all the world-famous DJs have played the best records in one of the most famous clubs from all over the world. Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Avicii and Calvin Harris are famous names. Surely the most famous club in Ibiza is the "Pacha. This world-famous club has five different halls where in each hall a different type of music is played. It is probably the most luxurious club on the whole island and can accommodate about 3,000 people. It is also the only club open throughout the year. After a lot of partying, you can rest during the day at the nearest beach 'Figueretas'. This beach is also perfect for families living around this area and for tourists staying in Ibiza town.

During the day, after partying, you can relax on one of the many beaches. Cala Salada is one of them. This place is surrounded by a green oasis of trees and is just outside the crowds. During the summer months, this is a busy spot among tourists and locals. Another crowded spot is "Playa d'en Bossa. Perhaps not the most beautiful, but certainly the most glamorous beach where there is something to do day and night. Several parties are held here thanks to the famous club 'Bora Bora' located nearby. In addition, this is the beach with the most services and amenities. Because the beach is almost 3,000 meters long, there are also some less crowded and child-friendly areas. For those who are really looking for the most child-friendly beach should go to "Talamanca. Here both the water and the surroundings are quiet.

With the wind through your hair and the sun in your face, feeling free and safe: that's what cycling in Seville gives you. Thanks to its many amenities and the fact that it is a relatively flat city, Seville is known as a city of cycling. While cycling, you can pass by the monuments and most special places that once seemed unreachable, but are now suddenly within reach. Long distances become short and short distances are more often covered by bicycle. Even in the heat of the day, a bike ride becomes child's play thanks to the pleasant addition of a light breeze. With the arrival of "Sevici," Seville's public bike rental service, cycling has never been easier.

• In July 2007 at the station of 'Ponce de Leon' the first public bike rental in Seville was opened.
• When using the 'Sevici' the first 30 minutes are always free.
• 'Isla de Cartuja' and 'Parque de Alamillo' are great locations to visit by bike.

Cycling in Spain

The municipality has agreed to the plan to offer an energy-efficient mode of public transportation to the public. Thus, in July 2007, the first public bicycle rental in Seville opened at the 'Ponce de Leon' station. Other major Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia have also adopted this form of public transportation. Today, the 'Sevici' is fully integrated into Sevillian life and the word is considered normal. Seville has 2,500 bicycles parked in 250 different places throughout Seville. This enormous popularity is partly due to Seville's good facilities and amenities when it comes to bicycles. The city was even ranked fourth as the most bike-friendly city by a survey by a renowned magazine in 2013.

The bike itself is fully adjustable and designed so that its sturdy appearance gives and emanates a safe feeling while still retaining its charm. On the bike's fender is the infinity symbol in the form of a piece of rope woven together. This is part of Seville's own logo. The colors also reflect this, as they are red and yellow. The slogan of the "Sevici" reads: Sevilla a tu ritmo. This means that you can discover Seville at your own pace.

The great advantage of "Sevici" is that you can effortlessly maneuver anywhere through the city. Once arrived at your destination, it is then only a matter of finding a stand to place the bike in and you have your hands free again. An annual or weekly subscription is required to use this service. You then receive a pass that you can insert into one of the vending machines at "Sevici" to access the bikes in the bike rack. It is also possible for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 to use this service, although parental permission is required. A nice bonus is that the first 30 minutes are always free! Because most facilities and tourist attractions are located in and around the old city center, 30 minutes is often enough for small rides.

Sightseeing in Seville

For the sights that are a bit further away, biking in Seville is also ideal. The public bicycle makes it easy to get to some less accessible destinations. An example is the site "Isla de Cartuja" where the 1992 World's Fair was held. This is about a 30-minute walk from the city center. Here stands a number of extraordinary pavilions designed especially for the world exhibition. This is the ideal starting point for a bicycle tour. In fact, you can then cycle on to city park 'Parque de Alamillo' to enjoy a quiet day in the park. During the day and in the evening, small open-air concerts or theater performances by local artists are often held here. After spending the rest of the day in the park you can bike back to the center when evening falls. The best way to do this is across the "Puente de Alamillo" bridge. This bridge was built especially for the World's Fair and was designed by the famous Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. 

Cycling between the giant white bars of this rigged bridge illuminated by artificial light has something special about it. It is well worth stopping here to enjoy the scenery: illuminated houses and street lamps create a slight reflection and glint in the Guadalquivir River, while evening traffic quietly passes by and the moon is high in the sky. Having cycled all the way down the bridge, it only makes sense to cycle along the Guadalquivir as a conclusion.

Although they sound like two cars, in reality these are something quite different. The Mercedes, really Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (Our Lady of Mercy) was a Spanish naval frigate transporting goods and money between the New World and Spain. In 1804, within eye shot of the coast of Spain, this ship was sunk during the battle of Cape Santa Maria.

When the Mercedes went down, it took with it 249 sailors, 36 canons, cloth made from vicuña, quinine and 500,000 gold and silver coins. This battle occurred in time of peace between the UK and Spain and was the result of a decision made by the commander of the British ships, Commodore Graham Moore. What no one knew at the time is that Spain was paying France a secret fee of 72 million Francs annually until war was declared by the Spanish on the English.

With orders to stop the four ships from reaching their destination Moore would try to take over the ships and lead them to a British-friendly port. Of course, to do this he would need the Spanish to surrender to an English convoy that they weren't even at war with. Needless to say, the Spanish refused to surrender and a Mexican standoffish scene—4 frigates from each navy facing each other down from a "pistol-shot's distance"—ensued.

In the blink of an eye canons began to go off on both sides and the Mercedes' magazine was penetrated and exploded from within. Along with that, the English debilitated the other 3 Spanish frigates and achieved their objective of capturing the bounty brought back from the New World. This would also launch a war and become the precursor to the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Odyssey Explorer

Fast forward to 2007. The Odyssey Explorer is a salvage and recovery ship that pertains to treasure hunting company Odyssey Marine Exploration. That year, Odyssey Marine announced that their ship had recovered $500 million worth of silver and gold coins from an undisclosed shipwreck somewhere off the coast of Spain. Prior to this announcement and privy to what was happening off their coast, Spain was closely observing the work the ship was carrying out.

The work of  the Odyssey Explorer had been carried out in such an opaque manner that it was not clear the precedence of the treasure. In different moments it was stated to be from an unnamed shipwreck, it was also said that it originated from another sunken ship, the Merchant Royal. What is clear is that Odyssey Marine never explicitly stated where the coins came from. After recovering the coins, they were unloaded in Gibraltar and sent immediately to the United States where the company filed to legally take possession of them.

The Spanish government, believing that the treasure uncovered by the Discovery Explorer had in fact come from the Mercedes, launched a salvo of legal proceedings in attempt to recover what they believed was rightfully theirs. After the courts found in favor of Spain, Discovery Marine appealed to the United States Supreme Court in a last ditch effort to save their loot. Unfortunately, for Discovery, the court refused to admit their appeal. The lower court ruling stood which stated that since the Mercedes was a Spanish naval vessel, the wreck and cargo were found to be covered by sovereign immunity. This meant that Odyssey Marine had to return 17 tons of coins and other plundered material back to the Spanish government. Since its return, the government has given the treasure to various museums in Spain.

Today, some of that treasure the Mercedes carried is now on display in the newly renovated National Archeology Museum in Madrid. This museum, considered one the best of its kind thanks to its pre-Columbian collection, will hold this fascinating collection of recovered treasure until the end of November. There is also a joint exhibit in the Naval Museum, also in Madrid, where the exhibit is focused more on the construction of the Mercedes, archives and its historical-military context. Admission to both museums is free.

Tenerife is a volcanic island. The island's rich flora, volcanic landscapes and vast valleys, pine forests and deserts are characteristics that make hiking on Tenerife so special. It is totally different from the Dutch landscape. Hiking can be done in various ways: guided, with GPS, on your own, etc. In any case, whoever sets foot on this earth will be able to walk around here for hours.

• Tenerife has a volcanic landscape and also possesses Spain's highest mountain, “Pico del Teide.
• Those who hike in the Teno Mountains should definitely visit the village of Masca. This indigenous village can only be visited since a few years and is really worth a visit.

Hiking obviously involves the hiking facilities that are there. Because this exercise is so popular in Tenerife, the hiking facilities there are excellent. With a map handy, it seems almost impossible to get lost here. There are information points located at each nature reserve where they know all about the area, including useful information and tips on the various hiking routes and sights. Hikes can vary from one day to three days or more and the difficulty of the tours depends on various conditions, such as length, altitude and surface. In terms of temperature, Tenerife is pleasant all year round and therefore ideal for hiking; not too cold and not too hot. For true floral lovers and sun worshippers, the most ideal period for hiking in spring is between April and June. Everything is then in bloom and colors the island with the most spectacular spring colors. Well-known flora are the beautiful endemic Tijanaste and the Canary bellflower. These plant species are found only on this island and have beautiful colors.

Las Cañadas del Teide is by far the most famous hiking area in Tenerife. The area consists of several routes with different levels of difficulty. However, a good condition is important for all routes. It is a mountainous area with many ascents and descents where there are also many loose stones. Some caution is therefore always requested. The area is protected and belongs to the National Park. It is the sunniest place on the entire island and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2007. Also located here is the striking rock Roque de Garcia. This rock is the figurehead of Tenerife and has a particularly unique shape. This national park was created from the remains of an ancient primordial volcano. 

This one was still many times larger than the present volcano Pico del Teide. The old primordial volcano blew up part of itself by a large eruption. Landslides occurred and a new volcano arose from the remnants of the old volcano. There have been no eruptions since 1909. This last small eruption covered the volcano with several lava layers. Each layer is different with different shades of color. This is also the highest mountain in Spain and for good reason, because here at the foot of the mountain you can see a veritable sea of clouds. This sea of clouds is better known in the locals' vernacular as panza de burra (donkey belly). It is the result of rapid and steady gusts of wind that, with the combination of moisture and rapid airflow, form a thick dense layer of clouds. This particular phenomenon can be seen almost every summer.

One of the other hikes is in the Teno Mountains. This is the oldest part of the island and is known as the wildest area of Tenerife. With high mountains, deep ravines and dizzying views, this is well worth the effort. The area has six routes, all of which are available at the information point. Because the area is so rugged, there are some mountain villages that were not really accessible until recently. The village of Masca is an example of this. This is also the starting point of a beautiful hike that goes along the famous Masca ravine towards the sea.

Besides the Teno Mountains, the Anaga Mountains are a beautiful area for an interesting hike. The starting point for hiking routes starts from Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava. It is advisable to walk downhill, though, because the routes are sometimes very steep and long. During one of these tours, you also have the chance that you will walk in the fog for part of the tour. This just makes it extra exciting and is one of the reasons why hiking in Tenerife is also such a true adventure.

Spanish Locations

Today, Spain is a country that is very popular with film director and producers. Thanks to the excellent combination of a diverse geography, excellent infrastructure and cheaper filming costs means that you have probably seen more of Spain than you may have imagined. The arrival of the international productions really began in the 50's when David Lean discovered the deserts of Almería when he shot Lawrence of Arabia. In this list, let's see if you recognize any of these Spanish locations.

The Costa del Sol, most probably one of the most famous seaside resorts in Spain among Dutch tourists. It is the place for winter visitors, sun worshippers, people over 50 ... basically for every beautiful weather lover! Besides sun, sea and beach tourism, it is also a popular place among young people to spend their vacations. This is partly due to the many entertainment venues, stores and the international atmosphere it exudes. As its name suggests, the Costa del Sol is the sunniest coastline in Spain, as costa del sol stands for solar coast. This is not for nothing, because with more than 325 days of sunshine, you can wear this name with honor. You can go sunbathing in the sun, of course, but the Costa del Sol has much more to offer than just sunshine. In fact, its beautiful landscapes and excellent climate also make the Costa del Sol a preferred destination for sports activities.   

Beautiful gardens, unique museums and delicious food can all be found along the 150 kilometers of coastline along the Costa del Sol. The coastline is located on the southern side of Spain in the province of Málaga, in the autonomous region of Andalusia and is situated on the Mediterranean Sea. It lies between the regions of Gibraltar and Almería and includes the provinces of Málaga, Cadiz and Granada. Due to its excellent location, a large percentage of Andalusia's accommodation is also centered here. White villages, miles of sandy beaches, wide rivers and mountains characterize the region along the Costa del Sol. The people are also part of the Costa del Sol. The open and friendly appearance of the people makes you feel right at home. Furthermore, it is also a popular destination for a reason, as it is the complete opposite of what the Netherlands has to offer. This is the ultimate place to unwind in a completely different environment.

The sandy beaches along the Costa del Sol are most probably the most famous of the Spanish coasts. They are very different from each other: from the noisy and touristy beaches full of facilities, to the quiet and almost deserted sandy beaches with only sand and beach. Along the coastline, besides sunbathing you can also achieve active activities, thanks to the many sports clubs located here in the area. One popular activity in the region is golf. Cadiz is known for having the finest golf clubs in all of Spain. This is partly due to the various factors that influence this. The climate, location, design, facilities and maintenance are very important. Besides golf, tennis is also a sport that is widely practiced here.

Over the years, golf and tennis have often come to be known as truly elite sports. Of course, they are not just for the elite. However, the fact is that all these excellent facilities have attracted the elite. In the smaller mountain villages a few hundred meters away from the beach, there are often many villas and luxury houses where the elite of Spain (and other countries) like to settle temporarily or permanently. It is a place where the luxury lifestyle can be realized with ease. This elite image is maintained in part by various luxury events held annually in the area, such as the "Marbella Luxury Weekend," the "ILTM" fair ("International Luxury Travel Market") and the "Arabian Travel Market. Many international stars have also traveled to this true luxury haven. The cruise ships and luxury yachts are certainly not lacking here.

In addition, just a few kilometers away there are beautiful famous places of Spain to visit, such as romantic Ronda and palace-rich Granada. In short, the Costa del Sol is a place where many can stay longer.

The world has just lost a woman who knew how to capture in words that sense of shock, that childlike disbelief experienced when you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a war occurring right in your front yard (like she did). Ana María Matute has died, a fundamental figure in the literature of post-civil war Spain. Just months ago she finished her latest novel.

Ana María Matute

Matute was born in 1925 Barcelona to a middle class family. Her Catalan father owned an umbrella factory and her mother, a housekeeper from La Rioja, raised their five children.

At four years of age Ana María became seriously ill. She went to live with her grandparents in the village of Mansilla de la Sierra (La Rioja), where the people and landscape would greatly influence her writing; these early impressions would make up the heart of her 1961 collection of stories Historias de Artámila.  

Civil war broke out just before she turned 11. The horrors of war left an indelible impact on her life. She defined her generation as that of “the astonished children” who had to face a brutal world they didn’t understand: the war and post-war.

Ana María wrote her first novel, Pequeño teatro, at 17. The novel that caught the attention of the literary world was Los Abel (1948), inspired in the generations that followed the Biblical figures Adam and Eve. One year later her Luciérnagas (fireflies) was selected as a runner up for the prestigious literary award the Premio Nadal. The novel did not pass strict censorship in place at the time however and it didn’t even end up getting published until 1993.

This is one of those “Matute matters” (cosas de la Matute) as she would say, referring to herself in third person: either by personal design or by the whims of fate, some of her works remained dormant for extensive periods before reaching the public.  

We see one example of this literary hibernation with one of her most famous novels Olvidando rey Gudú, which sat in a desk drawer for nearly 25 years before its publication in 1996.

Ana María Matute received numerous awards: the Premio Planeta in 1954 for Pequeño teatro, the Premio Miguel de Cervantes in 2010, the Premio Nacional de Narrativa in 1959 and the Premio Nadal that same year for Primera memoria, the Premio Lazarillo de literature infantil in 1965 for El polizón de Ulises, the Premio Ojo Crítico Especial in 1997 awarded by Radio Nacional España for Olvidado rey Gudú, and the Premio Nacional de las Letras Españolas in 2007… and many more.

Matute was an honorary member of the Hispanic Society of America and she became the third woman in history to be accepted to the Royal Spanish Academy.

We’ve lost a female Spanish writer with a timid voice who expressed herself with unique elegance through novels, short stories, and tales for children; a world where she still felt, at the age of 88, like an “astonished child”.  

It is the second largest festival in South America and very popular with tourists. Hundreds of thousands of people from Peru, South America and the rest of the world come to the Peruvian city of Cuzco to usher in the traditional new Inca year. This festival is also called the Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. Every year the sun god Wiracocha is worshipped in Cuzco and at the archaeological Inca fort "Sascayhuaman" and celebrates the beginning of the new solar year.

• Every year on June 24, the Festival of the Sun takes place in Cuzco and the surrounding area. The Peruvian name is Inti (sun) Raymi (festival) and during this festival the solstice is celebrated. The solstice represents the beginning of the new Inca year.
• The Festival of the Sun is the second largest festival in South America and very popular.
• The festival begins early in the morning when the Sapa Inca thank the sun for all its blessings. The second part is at the ancient Inca fortress Sascayhuaman where a reconstruction of the ancient tradition is enacted by 500 extras.

The Inti Raymi is an ancient tradition of the Inca religion. Quechua is the language of the Incas and is still spoken today by much of the Inca Indian population in the Peruvian mountains. In this language, Inti means sun and Raymi means festival. Hence the name "Festival of the Sun. According to official tradition, the first Inca created this celebration to celebrate the solstice (also called winter solstice). The solstice represents the first day of the new year according to the Inca calendar and officially begins on June 21 and ends on June 24 because, according to the Incas, the sun stays in the same place during these days. Therefore, the festival of the sun is only really celebrated on June 24.

The celebration of the Inti Raymi begins at 8 a.m. in the main square in the city of Cuzco. The rainbow flag that symbolizes the Inti Raymi is raised during mass in the cathedral. First, the Sapa Inca (the leader of the Inca people), thanks the sun for all its blessings. Then the whole procession goes to the Inca fortress "Sacsayhuaman," about 5 kilometers from Cuzco. At the Inca fortress, also called the sacred house of the sun, the second part of the Festival of the Sun is celebrated. The celebration consists of a huge spectacle with 500 extras portraying a reconstruction of the ancient ceremony. This entire spectacle is also entirely in Quechua, and the Sapa Inca is the main speaker. During the spectacle, various extras pay homage to their leader and, of course, to the sun god through various dances, rituals and music.

The Festival of the Sun is an important and popular spectacle during the month of June in Peru. Many activities are organized during these days such as live performances, exhibitions and shows. People from all over the world, mainly from South America and Peru come to Cuzco to enjoy brilliant performances, swinging music and, of course, the theater of the Inca ceremony. Entering the Incafort is free and it is possible to rent seats in advance. The Festival of the Sun really should not be missed if you are traveling towards Peru!