Before the start of the ceremony, a colorful parade took place with different groups of men and women, all wearing multicolored outfits. This parade went through the main streets of the city, concentrating at the Daniel Alcides Carrión Main Square, and ended at the Municipal Coliseum, where the official event was held.
Vice Minister Novoa Silva highlighted the importance of this recognition: "We are brought together by a special and transcendent act: the delivery of the resolution that declares Auquish Danza or Baile Viejo as Cultural Heritage of the Nation, an emblematic expression of the provinces of Pasco and Daniel Alcides Carrión."
"Today, the Peruvian State officially recognizes the immense value of a dance that has been and continues to be a symbol of identity, memory, and resistance of our Andean peoples. Baile Viejo is not just an art form, but a living heritage, a way of narrating our collective history through movement, music, costume, and, above all, the spirit of those who perform it," she emphasized.
She also mentioned that this dance recalls the social structure of the pre-Hispanic Andean world and the labor tensions brought by colonization. It is a playful representation and a subtle critique, a celebration and a lesson. Through the character of the Auqui, the Andean wise man, this expression speaks to us of wisdom, respect for elders, and connection with our roots.
The Vice Minister added that the Ministry of Culture understands that declaring something as Cultural Heritage is not an end, but a new beginning.
"With this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard, make visible, and accompany the bearers of this tradition so that they can pass it on to new generations with dignity and pride," she stated.
After the ceremony and the delivery of the resolution to the mentioned districts, there was an Auquis Danza.
This dance, practiced in various highland communities in the provinces of Pasco and Daniel Alcides Carrión, reflects the relationship between humans and nature and the protective mountains, as well as traditional economic activities such as livestock farming and mining.
About the dance
The dance is performed at various religious festivities and cultural events, accompanied by traditional orchestras that play huaynos and mestizo music, adding a festive and colorful atmosphere to each performance.
The dancers’ attire, detailed in the resolution, includes black bayeta or dark-colored corduroy pants, an embroidered jacket, a black vest, and a distinctive mask that evokes the elderly, with white beards and eyebrows.
This outfit is complemented by a woven sash, bells on the knees, and jewelry that adorns the chest and back, creating an impressive and symbolic visual ensemble. The women, for their part, wear colorful and eye-catching skirts.
This recognition not only celebrates the cultural richness of Auquis Danza, but also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting the traditions that define the identity of the people of Pasco, ensuring that this heritage continues to be a source of pride and knowledge for future generations.
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(END) WMCH/TMC/JMP/ MDV