People across Peru celebrate festival of Inti, the sun god

Across the Andes, from the tip of Argentina as far north as Colombia, indigenous communities along the path of what was once the Incan Empire are gathering for the southern hemisphere's winter solstice to honor the ancient sun god Inti. (Photos: AP)

A figure of a tiger parades near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru.

Inti Raymi is still celebrated in indigenous cultures throughout the Andes. Celebrations involve music, colorful costumes (most notable the woven aya huma mask) and the sharing of food.

During the Inca Empire, the Inti Raymi was the most important of four ceremonies celebrated in Cusco, as related by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. The celebration took place in the Haukaypata or the main plaza in the city.

Actors dance as they celebrate the Inca ceremony "Inti Raymi".

Actor David Ancca, representing the Inca Emperor, spills a fermented corn drink called "chicha" from a vase during the Inca ceremony "Inti Raymi".

A youth guards his llamas during preparations for the Inca ceremony "Inti Raymi" at the Saqsaywaman ruins in Cuzco.

An actor dressed as an Inca priest, poses for a portrait before celebrating the Inca ceremony "Inti Raymi," at the Saqsaywaman ruins in Cuzco.