The Magic of Peruvian Folklore

Puno

Morenada originates from the slavery that existed in Perú. This dance represents the African slaves' journey towards the mines located in the high planes of Perú. The rattles mimic the sound of the chains.

Arequipa

This Afroperuvian dance represents the African slaves, who would satirically imitate the Spanish soldiers. It is also said that they would sell fruit, represented in their big headgear.

The African slaves brought over many dances from their place of origin, which then fused with Peruvian culture to create dances such as this one. The dancers use sticks and with serious faces, move to the beat of the drums. 

Puno

The Caporales of the Tuntuna is one of the most popular dances performed during the party of the Mamacha Candelaria in the Puno department. This is a youthful, happy, sensual, and energetic dance. It is given the name Caporal because it was a dance of the African slaves led by the "capataz" or "caporal", who was the leader of the group. 

Cuzco

This is a song considered the symbol of Cuzco. The expression "Valicha" is the abbreviation for the name Valeriana, the young woman who inspired the melody. According to the story, Valeriana fell in love with Miguel Ángel Hurtado, her teacher. Her parents didn't like this romance and sent her far away from Cuzco to separate them. This beautiful song written by the teacher has been converted into a dance immortalized by his love.

Junín

This dance is from the center of Perú, exactly in Huancayo, Junín department. It's so beautiful. This youth dance full of flirting, courtship, strength, vigor, skill, and overflowing joy, represents the courtship of the couples during their agricultural work of planting, growing, and harvesting potatoes. 

Huánuco

Cholones de Rupa Rupa is a dance from Huánuco, Tingo María Province. The dance narrates the voyage of tribes heading to their towns of origins. These voyages would have them navigate through rivers using rustic wooden canoes and topas (balsa wooden oars). 

El Huayruro dance is performed for good luck that the Huayruros (seeds deriving from Perú) will provide a good harvest. 

Cajamarca

Cajamarca is home to the annual celebration of Carnaval, a time when the locals celebrate Carnival before the beginning of Lent. Carnival celebrations are full of parades, autochthonous dances, and other cultural activities.

Junín

This dance represents the fighters of the Shapish of Chupaca, who formed part of the Huanca culture. They moved to the Amazon region so as to not be conquered and after returning to their region, they adopted certain customs of the amazon zone.

Lima

This Creole waltz or Peruvian waltz is a musical genre originating in Perú within the Creole and Afro-Peruvian genres. It was developed in Lima and throughout the Peruvian coast between the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Marinera Limeña is graceful and manorial, with short steps. It demands strict rules in its elaborate songs and dances, in comparison with the Northern Marinera. 

Trujillo

The Northern Marinera is a National Peruvian dance. It's an afro-mestizo dance. It represents the courting between the gentleman the lady. They both try to get each other to fall in love, with the couple making sweeping gestures, showing off the white traditional costumes of Peru’s north coast. The handkerchief is a must! 

Puno

This dance is typically performed during the Candelaria celebration in Puno. This dance is performed with the siku instrument.  The dance features angels and demons.