Aymara New Year 5517 at Tiwanaku

Bolivian Government agencies launched on Monday 15^th the official program for the Aymara New Year 5517 in the ruins of a pre-Columbian city of Tiwanaku, 72 kilometers from the seat of government, the next 20 to June 21.

The official launch was held in the Plaza Murillo in La Paz, with the participation of Bolivia's Chancellor David Choquehuanca, the Minister of Culture Pablo Groux, the prefect of La Paz, Pablo Ramos and the Mayor of Tiwanaku, Eulogia Quispe, who invited national and international people to be part of the ancient rite of "Willkakuti 2009" (return of the sun) will start the new year aymara 5517.

“According to shamans, Tiwanaku is part of network of energy centers around the world. Every year we prepare to receive the energy of the new sun. We invite all to come to Tiwanaku and celebrate with us on June 21," said Chancellor Choquehuanca.

Tiwanaku has been the center of spiritual and political life of the Tiwanaku culture. After the extinction of this culture, Andean people had gathered here to celebrate the Willkakuti, for many centuries. The celebration of the New Year or Willkakuti coincides with winter solstice in the southern hemisphere, when the sun is farthest from the planet. This natural phenomenon marks the beginning of a new planting season.

According to the official program, the June 20 will start on the town’s main square of Tiwanaku, with a pilgrimage to Quimsa Chata, where there will be an offering to mother earth.

Later at 5 p.m. on the main square of the town there will be a Cultural Festival for all visitors, this will last trough the night and it will be accompanied of native music and. The next day all will be ready for the Ritual Ceremony of the Great Willkakuti at the temple of Kalasasaya. The sun will rise around 07:25 a.m. when all locals and visitors will receive the Cosmic Energy of the first rays of the sun on a New Year. This will be done by raising the hands to the rays of the new sun as tradition calls.

Tours for this celebration are easy to find around Sagarnaga Street in La Paz. It’s advised to bring warm clothes, gloves and something warm to drink, due to the frigid conditions of the Andes during the night.

We wish you all a Happy New Year 5517.