Solstice June 21 5014

Some images from the solstice June 21 2006. In the Inca calendar, this is the new year 5014. Ancient traditions are observed with offerings to the spirits. I woke before dawn in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titikaka, to the sounds of of conches blowing and distant drum beats. I went out into deserted streets, and found a glimpse of orange gold rising sun between city buildings, which view I shared with a couple of city dogs. The ceremonies were taking place in the hills around the city.
Later, we continued with our journey toward La Paz, and stopped off at an old fertilitility temple, where we found the phallus pictured below, and signs of the mornings offerings. The fresh offerings were lined up with mornings rising sun rays. In a few days, in this part of the world, on 24 June the festival of St Joan starts. This is the time that the remains of the old harvest are burnt in the fields to provide nutrients for the coming harvest.