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 an reenactment of the origins of the Chanka people, an ethic 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 main celebration takes place at the Pacucha Lagoon and the Chanka archaeological site of Sondor, where a mystic religious ceremony is held.