Typical dances of arequipa

Arequipa, a land rich in traditions and customs, offers an exquisite sample of dances that deserve to be discovered. These artistic expressions, rooted in local history, detail through their costumes, lyrics and choreography, the experiences of the region. Among the most emblematic dances are the wititi, the turcos, the marinera, and more. Dive into the fascinating world of typical dances that only Arequipa can offer!

Wititi Dance

Also known as 'wifala', the wititi is one of the most iconic and representative dances of Arequipa. Its roots date back to pre-Inca times in the current province of Caylloma, where the Incas and Collawas formed an alliance. Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, this dance stands out for the uniqueness of its costumes, with long, colorful skirts for both men and women, typical of the Peruvian highlands. The jumps and turns in pairs during the festival make it especially famous in towns such as Chivay and Cabanaconde.

The Turcos

Originally from the province of Caylloma, like many dances in Arequipa, Los Turcos represent Catholicism and the Spanish influence in the region. Narrating the Spanish victory over the Arab invasion in the 15th century, this dance stands out for the red and yellow clothing of the men, with boots and high pointed hats. The women wear multicolored Andean costumes of sheep's wool with delicate white veils. The movements, influenced by the Spanish dance, are executed with harmony and rhythmic turns.

Marinera Arequipeña

The famous marinera also finds its unique expression in the Arequipa region, dating back to the time of the War of the Pacific in the 19th century. Originally known as 'montonero', it evolved over time adopting movements typical of the marinera. Danced in groups of couples, both men and women participate with elegant movements, waving handkerchiefs and displaying the characteristic coquetry of the marinera. The men wear white jackets and shirts, while the women wear skirts and thin blouses.

Añu Tarpuy

Another dance from the province of Caylloma, specifically from the district of Tuti, is the Añu Tarpuy. Its roots go back to pre-Inca times, when the first inhabitants thanked their gods for a good harvest of land, sun, moon and more. The dancers wear typical costumes of the region, with men wearing wool vests, shorts, shirts and hats, and women wearing skirts, vests, llicllas and hats. With rhythmic movements, the dance symbolizes agricultural work.

Negrillos Dance

Famous for being performed in the district of Chivay, the Negrillos dance has its origins in the abolition of slavery in Peru in the mid-19th century. The 'negrillos' of Chivay dedicated themselves to various tasks to survive in freedom, such as agriculture, cattle raising, fishing and bread production. The colorful dress includes conical monteros, shoes and colorful scarves for the men, and white hats with ribbons, blouses and flowered skirts for the women. The movements are slow and harmonious.

Arequipa Carnival

Arequipa celebrates its own carnivals in a unique way, performed throughout February and the first days of March. Noted for its huayno rhythm music and festive character, this dance spreads throughout the region. The dancers dress in colorful costumes, the men in pants and white shirts, and the women in dresses of various colors, adorned with festive hats of multicolored balloons.

The Chaco Dance

Representing the capture of vicuñas, called 'chaco', in the Pampa Cañahuas, the Chaco Dance takes place in the current Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. Used as a ritual to obtain more of this precious material, the dance features typical dress, with men wearing shorts, flip-flops, shirts, vests and hats, and women wearing skirts, llicllas, hats and flip-flops. The festive and joyful steps include circles and representations of vicuñas, although the hunting of this camelid is currently prohibited.

The Pisado de Habas

As its name indicates, this typical dance represents the peeling and treading of beans after the harvest. Originally from the province of Caylloma, this dance, although no longer performed with the feet, remains engraved as a cultural testimony. The Andean costumes of the dancers include flip-flops, shorts for agricultural work, shirts, black vests and hats for the men, and skirts, multicolored vests, hats and the distinctive lliclla for the women. The dance demonstrates slow, harmonious steps, centered, of course, on the beans.