San Juan’s celebration was established through religious and cultural syncretism. The Hispanic festivity in honor of Saint John the Baptist coincided with a major indigenous celebration called Inti Raymi or “Harvest Festival,” which was connected to sun worship practices and linked to the agricultural cycle.
The focal point of celebration was dance, and music played a fundamental role. Communities, organized into groups of dancers, would parade through the streets until they reached the plaza. At certain intervals, they would pause at street corners to dance in circles, led by the Captain or Aya Huma.
In the plaza, an impromptu market was also set up with “chinganas” or tents where various foods and drinks were offered.
