Mainly due to ethnic and racial mixing, Peru is a multicultural country, which has created a diverse and fascinating culture that has various and interesting artistic representations. The music and dances have always had a privileged place in it, being considered “living art” that can touch man’s senses.
The traditional “limeño” (Lima locals) has always leaned toward the “jarana” or party, surrounded by friends and music instruments, letting then indulge and showcase their artistic veins in the most unsuspecting place. The capital, which until mid-20th century had a minimal population, received in few years, great masses of provincial immigrants that took over the famous “city of kings” and brought with them their culture and customs. That’s when the cultural associations and departmental clubs were born, which had the dances as their main attraction.
The great folk contests were the first stages were the great provincial orchestras and their almost always Andean choreographies were showcased.
Each region has their characteristic dances, among the most known we can find African-Peruvian dances from the coast, among them the “festejo”, in the highlands we have the “huayno” that is always present on every festivity and the powerful tapping of the dancers show the strength of their towns.
It is also worth mentioning the scissor dancers. There is a legend about them that says they have a pact with the devil that makes them perform unimaginable trials, such as swallowing metals, eating live animals and dance with huge energy along with the rhythm of the harp and the scissors that should never stop making a sound.
Last but not least, the jungle also has some pretty festive and exotic dances, which preserve the mystical and traditional aspect of their place of origin.
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