Inti Raymi, the winter solstice festival is presided over by the Great Inca

In Inca times, the festival of Inti Raymi, the winter solstice festival, was the most important date in the calendar. The ceremony was presided over by the great Inca, decendant of the Sun.

Today, the festival is still the major event of the Quechua calendar, and the ceremony is still presided over by the great Inca, albeit an elected representative! This image was captured by chance as he was carried past on his litter. To me, its strength lies in the dignity it portrays.