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Most important Peruvian Traditional Dances & Festivals

 Traditional  Peruvian Dances & Festivals

Peru is a country that bursts with life, traditions, mysteries, and vibrant colors. We, Peruvians, display all these elements in our culture, food, festivals, and dances, which are based on Andean beliefs from the Inca period and Christian beliefs brought by the Spanish.

Some of the festivals and dances have a significant background and transcend different eras and times. Do you know something about a Peruvian dance or festival? Let’s dive into this part of Peru that few know and explore why it's an important part of our culture!

The Most Important Peruvian Celebrations

The Inti Raymi: Inca Pachacuti established this celebration in 1412 to commemorate the winter solstice and the Sun God Inti, then, it was reintroduced in 1944. Today, it is a beautiful event honoring Andean beliefs, it takes place yearly on June 24th in many places throughout Cusco. For "Cusqueños" (Cusco Citizens) is the greatest and most awaited event in Cusco. Don’t miss it!

Virgen del Carmen:  This festival attracts thousands of tourists each year, the festivities begin on July 15th including fireworks, music, and dances, it's celebrated in Paucartambo, Cusco. The celebrations may last all day, filling Paucartambo's streets with joy while honoring “Mamacha Carmen".

Semana Santa, also known as Holy Week, is a prominent event in Peru that begins on Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday or Monday. Celebrations in cities include exciting festivities, different regional foods, and colorful processions. For a great Holy Week holiday in Peru, check out unique events in towns like Cusco, their distinct and lively festivities are well known.

Virgen de la Candelaria:  This event is celebrated in February and draws hundreds of people to Puno, near Lake Titicaca. People from every part of Peru come to honor “Mamacha Candelaria” with lively dancing and singing.  The origin stories of this festival differ, in one, people sought protection during an attack on Puno, and in the other, a caretaker saw the Virgin appear miraculously.

Fiesta de San Juan: The St John’s festival is the main celebration of the Peruvian rainforest. Every June, communities in the Peruvian jungle join together to celebrate. St John's festival is a unique and amazing celebration that includes music, dance, food, and customs.

The Most Traditional Peruvian Dances.

Marinera is a symbol of Peruvian heritage and passion, it's especially popular on Peru’s north coast, in Trujillo, however, some variations may happen in Trujillo, Lima, and Puno. Each has its own melody and movements, but it transmits the same idea. The annual National Marinera Contest in Trujillo draws large crowds of visitors, as many entrants compete for top honors.

The Scissors Dance, or "La Danza de las Tijeras," began in Peru's Chanka region, it symbolizes magical connections to Mother Earth and the Andes. This dance is acrobatic and fast-paced, it's popular in Huancavelica, Ayacucho, and Apurímac, and it requires extensive training. Throughout history, it has been linked to pre-Hispanic priests and persecuted characters, but its mystical aspects have caused Catholic priests to misinterpret it. 

The dancers, who learned since childhood, symbolize mountain spirits by using scissors. Violin and harp go with the choreography. As the music goes on, the movements dancing become even more intense, symbolizing the dance's spiritual and physical challenges.

Huayno is Peru's oldest dance dating back to before the Spanish arrived. It symbolizes Andean culture, with regional differences but a unifying spirit. It may have begun as a military chant before taking on Spanish influences, it represents enthusiasm, love, joy, and spirituality while its lyrics and music display a wide range of emotions. 

Andean musical instruments, such as the "quena", "charango", and mandolin, have an important role in Huayno music, they also use the harp, requinto, and bandurria, and some bands use trumpets, saxophones, and accordions. Huayno's ongoing popularity stems from its rich cultural background and powerful melodies.

The Tondero, popular in northern Peru, resembles the Marinera but has a more rebellious, bandit-like character. It comes from the coast of Peru, and unlike Spanish-influenced Creole genres, it depicts courtship and romance. Morropón, in Piura, serves as its hub, although there are variations throughout northern Peru. The classic form has a lead singer, choir, guitarists, Peruvian Cajón players, and, interestingly, a spoon player.

Festejo is an Afro-Peruvian dance that evolved from African rhythms in the 17th century in Peru. It symbolizes history, passion, and pride, then it has become a lively beat for challenge or courtship. It features percussion instruments like the Peruvian cajón, congas, bongos, and “quijada” (Donkey’s jawbone). In the 1960s, composer Pepe Villalobos popularized it even further.

All these dances and festivals have a huge cultural significance, which is another reason why Peruvians are proud to. Do you wanna dance Huayno or Festejo to the rhythm of Peruvian music?

Want to participate in the Inti Raymi or Semana Santa?  Don’t wait any longer and travel with us, as Viagens Machu Picchu offers the best packages to the best destinations!        

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