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Also known as Festival del Sol de Chanka (Chanka Sun Festival) or the Chanka Epic, the Sondor Raymi Festival in Andahuaylas in the region of Apurimac is a reenactment of the origins of the Chanka people, an ethnic group inhabiting the area between 1200 and about 1400.
According to legend Usquwillca (or Uscovilca), a mythical figure emerged from the Pacucha lagoon, subdued all local civilizations and then started a sometimes quite bloody military expansion campaign.
Usually celebrated around June 18 and 19, the major celebration takes place at the Pacucha Lagoon and the Chanka archaeological site of Sondor, where a mystic religious ceremony is held.
