Living Cultures
From the coast to the jungle and through the highlands, Peruvian people live the same way as their ancestors did a thousand years ago; maintaining their dances, handcrafts, textiles, customs and keeping their spirit alive. A single trip is not enough to discover all the wonders of Peru. Here we highlight just a few expressions and experiences that must be lived and appreciated when you visit Peru.
Inti Raymi
The Sun Festival in one of the most important festivals of the imperial city of Cusco. This marvelous spectacle which takes place on the Sacsayhuaman esplanade is celebrated every June 24th and is meant to pay homage to the Sun god, a supreme symbol of worship in Inca culture. Currently, close to 750 actors and actresses participate, who portray their ancestors whit the same fervor as the previous century.
Peruvian Paso Horse
The Peruvian Paso horse is the result of the Spanish and Berber breeds for 300 years. It trots in a series of synchronized movements of the front and rear legs in parallel manner, a trait that has made it one of the most beautiful and elegant type of horse in the world, featuring and interesting show that deserves to be seen.
Caballitos de Totora
Reed water-crafts dating back to the Mochica culture, they are still used by local fishermen as a work tool or for riding waves on north coast beaches. One of the more famous beaches that preserves this activity is called Huanchaco near Trujillo city.
Offerings to mother earth
Pachamama or Mother Earth, the fertility goddess, lives in the Urkhupacha or inner world. She offers her fruits to provide food for man. In keeping with the Andean logic of reciprocity, in the month of August communities offer a series of tributes to Pachamama.
Virgin of Candelaria Festival
On Puno City, more than 200 music groups, and an equal number of dancing groups wearing colorful outfits, who dance all through the town, take on the Candelaria Virgin procession. This festival relates to pre-Hispanic agricultural cycles of sowing and harvesting, as well as the mining activity of the region.
