The ancient dance of Huaconada —originally from Junin region in central Peruvian Andes— celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its
On this occasion, the Huacones de Mito Association —chaired by Oscar Enrique Camac— held the National Assembly of Huacones de Mito at the Culture Ministry headquarters to evaluate and analyze the improvements of the organization, as well as to set a schedule of activities in Lima and Junin as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Attending the meeting was Director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Directorate Soledad Mujica.
One of the activities includes an exhibition on the dance at the Culture Ministry branch in San Borja district, which will open on August 22, the World Folklore Day, and will go until November this year.
"The exhibit will be about the Huaconada and the safeguarding actions carried out by the people of Mito over the past 10 years for the care of this cultural expression," she stated.
The Huaconada is a ritual dance performed in the village of Mito (Concepcion province) at the beginning of each year.
Every year, on the first three days of January, masked men known as huacones perform a choreographed series of dances in the center of the town. The huacones represent the former council of elders and become the town’s highest authority while the festivity is going on.
Such role is emphasized by the tronador (whip) they carry and their masks, the latter characterized by accentuated noses that evoke the beak of the condor —a creature representing the spirit of sacred mountains.
The dance involves two types of huacones: elders who wear traditional costumes and finely carved masks inspiring respect and fear; and modern huacones who wear colorful dress and masks embodying terror, sadness or mockery.
During Huaconada, the modern huacones dance circumscribed steps around the elders, who have greater freedom to dance improvised movements because of their seniority.
An orchestra plays different rhythms, beating out time on a small indigenous drum called tinya.
Huaconada synthesizes distinctive elements from the Andes and Spain while incorporating new, modern elements.
Only those of good conduct and moral integrity may become huacones.
The dance is traditionally passed on from father to son, while clothing and masks are also inherited.
The huacones are Mito's highest authority during these holidays. During this time, local officials and inhabitants who committed a crime or offense are judged and eventually punished with lashes.
(END) NDP/JOT/RMB