Article in 'el comercio' the national newspaper on how the Kichwa people cling to Inti Raymi, despite restrictions. This is an excerpt:

"In Cotacachi, the cantonal COE decided to apply the yellow traffic light, between June 23 and July 1. During this period, commercial and productive activities will be carried out from 05:00 to 18:00. Furthermore, liquor may not be sold or consumed in public spaces. Nor is it allowed for indigenous people to perform dances in Matriz Plaza in the center of the city. It is a tradition that was repeated every year, for four days, as part of the Hatun Puncha or Big Day.

Gladys Guaján, secretary of Citizen Security and Risk Management of the Municipality of Cotacachi, explains that taking the square could generate an agglomeration of people, which would increase the risk of contagion of COVID-19. But the Union of Campesino and Indigenous Organizations of Cotacachi (UNORCAC) warned that at least 23 of the 45 communities have announced that they will go to Matriz Plaza.

To fulfill this tradition have established a plan with arrival and departure routes of the city, schedules and controls. The community members plan to dance and then return to their communities. They won't stay like they did before. In the last week, the police made a rapprochement with the leaders to desist from taking the Main Plaza. According to Víctor Herrera, Imbabura Police Commander, 800 soldiers will guard the city during the holiday.

Until 2019, Inti Raymi was an activity that boosted the local economy. In the community of La Calera, in Cotacachi, foreign and national tourists were received, who arrived attracted by the intercultural festival. Most of the 350 families have decided to host travelers again this year. Fernando Gualsaquí, president of La Calera, explained that it will be a local celebration within the community. Some 45 young people from this community participate in a flute-making workshop, organized by the Wallpana collective. They seek to rescue 26 rhythms from this holiday."-

https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/ecuador/kichwas-festejos-inti-raymi-pandemia.html