Cusco, in the stunning Peruvian Andes, is more than a gateway to Machu Picchu. It is a vibrant mix of culture, traditions, and must-see sites. This ancient city comes alive during its colorful celebrations where traditional dances and music are central to them.
Join us as we explore some of Cusco’s most iconic dances and uncover why experiencing them firsthand should be on your bucket list. Let’s dive in!
Saqra
La Danza de los Saqras is a captivating show that blends Catholic and Andean traditions. In the Quechua language, the word saqra means “devil.” However, in Andean culture, the saqra is not purely evil, instead, it represents a playful and mischievous spirit. Along with rapid and skillful movements, this dance portrays fun entertainment to viewers.
Where You’ll See It
You can enjoy this dance at the Virgen del Carmen Festival in Paucartambo every July. This festival honoring the saint of the village, keeps gaining adepts year by year, as many people from Cusco and other regions around Peru visit Paucartambo around that time of the year.
Costumes and symbolism
The saqras wear colorful and detailed masks, featuring playful elements like horns, fangs, and big eyes. Their bright costumes sparkle with sequins and feathers, showcasing their lively spirit. The dance comes alive to the rhythm of melodies played on traditional Andean musical instruments like the quena and the bombo.
These pieces set the tempo for the dancers’ lively, playful moves. They created a vibrant, captivating cultural experience.
Origins and Purpose
This dance began during the Spanish colonial period. Catholic missionaries used it to share Christian values with indigenous people. However, the locals added their own Andean perspectives, creating a special cultural blend. Today, it stands as a vibrant theatrical performance with rich storytelling.
Interesting Fact
Saqras’ playful antics can steal the spotlight, highlighting the Andean Cosmovision belief that fun and mischief are important parts of life, and also the indefatigable fight between good and evil.
Carnaval Cusqueño
Every February or March, Cusco bursts into life with the Carnaval Cusqueño dance. Part of the larger Carnival festivities, this dance encapsulates the joy and unity of the community. It’s a time for singing, dancing, and even playful water fights!
A Riot of Color
Vibrant costumes ignite the performance. Women twirl in vivid skirts, adorned blouses, and floral hats. Men match in dark pants, crisp shirts, and gleaming vests. Streamers and handkerchiefs add flair. Melodies soar on quenas, violins, and bombos, blending Quechua and Spanish songs.
This spectacle embodies the Andes’ cultural fusion, from attire to instruments. Every element – fabric, flower, and folk tune – weaves a tapestry of tradition, inviting audiences into a world where sight and sound dance as one.
The Dance
Carnaval Cusqueño is performed in groups, symbolizing togetherness and collective celebration. The dance steps are light and joyful, involving a lot of spinning and hand-holding.
Pre-Columbian Roots
Carnival celebrations in Cusco predate the Spanish conquest. Indigenous communities held festivals around February to honor the land and pray for a bountiful harvest. With the arrival of Catholicism, these rituals merged with European Carnival traditions creating today’s vibrant festival.
Did you know?
Carnaval Cusqueño isn’t just a dance—it’s an immersive experience. Tourists are often invited to join the celebrations, making it a perfect way to connect with the local culture.
Qhapaq Negro
The Qhapaq Negro dance, also known as the “Dance of the Noble Black,” is a powerful representation of the Afro-Peruvian legacy in Peru. Its name combines the Quechua word “Qhapaq,” meaning “noble,” and “Negro,” the Spanish word for “black.”
It reflects its ties to African descendants brought to the Andes during the colonial period. The dance celebrates enslaved Africans’ roles in Peruvian society, honoring their work on Spanish haciendas, especially in agriculture.
Costumes and Music
The costumes used in Qhapaq Negro are elaborate and symbolic. Dancers wear richly adorned black outfits, often embroidered with gold and silver threads. These reflect both African and Andean influences. Their faces are painted black, or they wear black masks.
It’s a stylistic choice to highlight the African identity of the characters they portray. The costumes often include bells and other accessories that create rhythmic sounds as the dancers move.
Where you’ll see it
The dance is a wonderful highlight during the Virgen del Carmen Festival in Paucartambo, which takes place from July 15 to 18. It also shines during the Feast of the Virgen del Rosario in Huallhua, Calca. This shows its importance to our religious and cultural heritage.
This dance began in Paucartambo but has joyfully spread to many areas in Cusco. It beautifully keeps alive the memories and traditions of Afro-descendant communities.
Dance
The music has strong, rhythmic percussion that combines it with traditional Andean wind instruments, like the zampoña (pan flute) and quena (flute). People sing in Spanish and Quechua, conveying themes of devotion, struggle, and liberation.
Origins
This dance honors and humanizes the struggles of enslaved people. It also blends African and Andean elements in a unique cultural expression. The Qhapaq Negro performers show dignity and pride in the enslaved Africans, emphasizing their resilience and faith.
Cholo Qorilazo
The “Cholo Qorilazo” dance comes from the beautiful Andean highlands and celebrates the life of the qorilazo, or Andean cowboy. The word “cholo” is a friendly term for people of mestizo (mixed) heritage in the Andes.
“Qorilazo” comes from the Quechua word “qori,” meaning gold, and the Spanish word “lazo,” meaning lasso. The name reflects the skill, strength, and resilience of these cowboys. They thrive in the tough Andean landscape.
Costumes
The costumes worn in the Cholo Qorilazo dance highlight traditional Andean cowboy clothing. Male dancers sport wide-brimmed hats, ponchos, and leather chaps. Female dancers wear skirts and shawls, both beautifully embroidered to showcase Andean artistry. These outfits honor the practical wear of qorilazos and celebrate the region’s rich culture.
Where you’ll see it
You can see this dance in celebrations for Cusco’s main day, on June 24th. During its eve, Cusco’s streets are filled with celebrations, music, and dance, including cholo qorilazo.
Dance and Music
The dance imitates herding cattle and riding horses. It has lively footwork and a skillful use of lassos. The music is upbeat and energetic. It often uses the charango, a small Andean string instrument, and traditional flutes.
This dance is a highlight of rural festivals and celebrations, serving as a wonderful way to honor the agricultural heritage of the region.
Origins
This is a typical dance from Chumbivilcas, in the Santo Tomas district. Thanks to the dance’s popularity, Chumbivilcans are known as “the land of qorilazos”. Chumbivilcans are also known for their strong will and temperament. No wonder why the Takanakuy was born in this village.
In the past, qorilazos were skilled cattle herders and horsemen. They were vital in taking care of livestock in the Andes. Their talent with lassos and familiarity with the rugged terrain made them exceptional at their jobs. The Cholo Qorilazo dance reflects their dedication, courage, and deep connection to the land.
Conclusion
Cusco’s traditional dances are truly special. They offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region and connect the past with the present. Every step, costume, and melody reflects a culture that has faced many changes over time.
For visitors, seeing these dances is more than just a show; it’s a wonderful journey into the heart of Peru. So, when you’ll watch the playful saqras or join in the Carnaval Cusqueño circle, keep in mind that you are part of something meaningful.
Viagens Machu Picchu invites you to discover more about Cusco, and its traditions through our blog! Stay tuned to find more articles about Peru’s fascinating topics! Contact us to discover what adventures are waiting for you in the ancient land of the Incas. Don’t put off the adventure of a lifetime too much longer!
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