Folklore - Dances in Peru

Folklore in Peru - Peruvian Dances

Marinera Dance

The "Marinera" is a dance dedicated to courtship and love and it is danced in all regions of Peru. There are many different variations based on the location: The Northern region (Norteña), Lima (Limeña), and the highlands (Serrana).

Since 1960, the Club Libertad has been in charge of organizing the National "Marinera" Competition in the city of Trujillo.
Tondero Dance
The Tondero is a customary dance for couples. It was likely originated in the Northern Coastal district of Peru of Saña Lambayeque. The Tondero represents the pursuit of the rooster to the chicken.

Women wear a nightdress called "anaco" that on top looks like a blouse over a wide skirt that is fitted to her waist. The famous "Dormilonas" are very noticeable, artistic sloped earrings made of filigree by the town’s goldsmith. The males wears a fine-hay hat, a striped or white shirt, northern girdle and white or black pants.

Festejo Dance
Festejo is a sensual dance of rhythmical nature with happy pace. Dancers typically challenge others to this dance.

The lyrics narrate the customs, happy moments, sorrows and suffering of people of African descent living in Peru.

During this dance, only percussion instruments are used like "El Cajón", an instrument made out of wood. The musician sits and plays the typical rhythms with his/her fingers and palm.

Alcatraz Dance
Alcatraz is one of the most typical dances that prevails on the Peruvian coast. The dance originated at the beginning of the 20th century from the rhythms brought to Peru by African slaves.

Its tradition has survived and has mixed with other dances. To dance the Alcatraz, couples tie a paper to the back of their waists. The dancers then play with a lit candle, trying to ignite the paper. Agile waist movements are used to bring the couple closer and closer.

Carnival of Huaylash

This is a very typical dance used in the Center of Peru. It is also the most popular dance of the south region of Huancayo, in the department of Junin. It is executed during the carnivals and in almost all the parties for patron saints.

Folklore indicates that it was initially performed in certain phases of potato farming, in which they imitated agricultural tasks. This is the traditional dance of the Huanca culture.

Carnival of Canas
This dance is from the province of Espinar, South of Cusco. It comes from the zone of the "Braves of Canas" and is known for being very festive.

Couples who perform this dance try to win over the other by showing off their assets and try to solve all of the problems associated with love.

Huayno Dance
Huayno is the most popular music of the highland region of Peru. This dance originated in the Inca empire, survived the Spanish colonization and continues to be very popular today.

A festive and joyful dance, Huayno is performed with colorful llama wool and embroidered costumes. Many people dance Huayno together as a big group.

Tarpuy Dance

This dance was originally performed to honor the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Its choreography represents the men and women working in the field, planting crops.