Ollantay Raymi, a story of forbidden love

Ollantay Raymi, a story of forbidden love

Every year during June, the Ollantaytambo archaeological park in Urubamba is the scene of one of the most traditional and emotional Peruvian festivals that always brings together thousands of visitors: the Ollantay Raymi.

Nearly 300 people -among actors and dancers- gather after months of preparation to give life to this festival based on the drama Ollantay, a popular story written in Quechua language that narrates the forbidden romance that an Inca army general named Ollantay maintained with Kusi Qoyllur, daughter of the Inca Pachacútec, in the times of Tahuantinsuyo.

The staging, which has been carried out for many years, seeks to revalue and promote the cultural identity of Peru, as well as giving added value to the so important tourist offer in Cusco.

This representation narrates the love between the Inca Ollantay with Kusi Qoyllur.

The drama Ollantay
According to the legend, General Ollantay -a warrior of commoner origin- was recognized for his great performance as a general of the Inca army, which earned him an important tribute. During the ceremony, Ollantay was impressed with a beautiful woman: Kusi Qoyllur, one of the daughters of the Inca Pachacútec. This relationship would be the central axis of a secret romance between the two, given the laws of the Empire that only allowed the union between people with Inca lineage.