The Ministry of Cultures informed that 80 'sacred sites' in the Andes, valleys and lowlands of Bolivia are being readied for people to receive the first rays of sun on the 21st of June, at the celebration of the 'Wilka Kuti', the arrival of Year 5519 (according to the Aymara calendar).

Among the most important is Samaipata, in the State of Santa Cruz, which will be the main scenario for the 2011 Wilka Kuti celebration. This archeological site was used by our ancestors for spiritual encounters and was declared Cultural Heritage of Humankind by UNESCO in 1998.

In La Paz, the first rays of sun will be met at the Tiwanacu ceremonial center, 72 kilometers from the city of La Paz, where thousands of tourists and Bolivians from other states will arrive due to their beliefs and traditions.

"Once again Bolivia will be a part of the Latin American celebration of this ancestral rite which is also celebrated by peoples in other countries of our continent, especially Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, and others," stated the Ministry of Cultures press release.

The Aymara New Year will be celebrated at the following locations.

Kuruyuki, Illampu, Cobija, Isla Incahuasi, Roca Sagrada de los Chimanes, Tarabuco, KonkoWankani, Sabaya, Illimani (Ánimas), Oukara la Ciudad de Piedras, QaqaqiHuayna Potosí, Inkallajta, Sajama, Pachjiri, Uchumachi, Ch'alla Pampa Isla del Sol, Samaypata, Pasto Grande, La Cumbre, Pampa Aullagas, La Víbora, Corque, Cerro Qurikancha, Challapata, Chipaya, Killakas, Uncía, Uyuni, Betanzos, Villazón, San Lucas, Pocoata, Cotagaita, Guanay, Caranavi, Chulumani, Quiabaya, Puerto Acosta, Huatajata, Suriki, Desaguadero, Sullkawi- Ayo Ayo, Riberalta, Guayaramerín, Rurrenabaque, San Ramón, Las Mercedes, Yotala, Presto, Azurduy, Padilla, San Pedro, Zudáñez, Cuesta de Sama, San Lorenzo, Villa Montes, Entre Ríos, Yacuiba, Carapari, Sacaba, Tiraque, Villa Tunari, Shinahota, Puerto Villarroel, Quillacollo, Comunidad Monte Sanai, Tiquipaya, San Javier, Concepción, Santa Rosa de La Roca, San Ignacio de Velasco, San Julian, San José Chiquitos, Porongo, Thunupa, Charazani-Curva, Callapa-Pampahasi, and Horca del Inca.

Click here to read more about the Aymara New Year.