Christmas in Peru is one of the most expected festivities of the year, showcasing a remarkable blend of religious syncretism and cultural fusion. Different towns of each region of Peru celebrates the Jesus Christ birth with vibrant colorful dances and music that reflect their distinct identities.
In the Andean world, this celebration aligns with the Qapaq Raymi (Royal Feast in Quechua language), a pre-Hispanic festivity deeply rooted in the time of the Inca Empire.
The festivity is held during the austral summer solstice to honor the Sun God, marking the beginning of a new season and a fresh cycle of the year. Meanwhile, in the Amazon, Christmas provides a unique opportunity to highlight the rich cultural heritage of its Indigenous communities.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the most representative regional Christmas celebrations in Peru, many of which have earned the designation of Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
Christmas in Acobamba
Declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in May 2015, the Christmas celebration in Acobamba, one of the seven provinces of Apurímac region, is held between December 22 and 29. The festivities revolve around two emblematic neighborhoods: Santos, located in the northwest of the city near San Juan Bautista Church in Plaza Sucre, and Ccollo or Pueblo Viejo (Old Town), situated southeast in proximity to the colonial church of Plaza José Olaya.
These neighborhoods compete to see which one can organize the most remarkable celebration. The mayordomos (people in charge9 of the merrymaking ) and supporters of each barrio lead the festivities, worship their respective images of the Child Jesus.
The event also revives episodes from local oral tradition, particularly those related to “arrieraje” (a historic practice of transporting goods by mule). This activity, vital to the economy of the region, connected coastal and Andean towns through trade routes.
The Acobamba Christmas celebration shows an iconic dance inspired by the “arrieros” with characters such as the Caporal, retaguardia, negrito, chuti, latamacho, and quitacaporal, each one with unique choreography reflecting their specific roles within the community's traditions.
Christmas in Chincha and Huaral
Christmas celebrations on the central coast of Peru, mainly in the provinces of Chincha and Huaral, located south and north of Lima respectively, center around the Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas, musical and dance expressions featuring various dances based on zapateo (rhythmic stomping), singing, and string instruments like the violin and guitar.
The Hatajo de Negritos, traditionally performed by men and more recently by women, and the Pallitas, performed exclusively by women, are danced together as part of Christmas celebrations. Both expressions are particularly associated with the identity of rural Afro-Peruvian and mestizo (half-breed in times of Viceroyalty of Peru) populations in the central southern coast of Peru.
Currently, the Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas involve singing, music, and dance primarily performed by children and are most prominent in the province of Chincha, Ica region. These dances are performed during Christmas celebrations, beginning on December 24 (to celebrate the birth of Jesus) and finishing on January 6 (Epiphany).
The Hatajo de Negritos dance is led by a caporal, who directs the group and joyfully leads the procession through streets and hamlets. A member of the group is in charge of “baptizing” new participants with holy water. All dressed in white to represent slaves and early Afro-descendant settlers, they perform rhythmic “zapateo” (stomping) while reciting verses and carrying bells adorned with ribbons.
During the festivities, the men wear colorful sashes and carry bells and vibrant whips with rattles. Meanwhile, the Pallitas —a Quechua term referring to maidens or shepherdesses— carry staffs known as “azucenas” and alternate their route with stomping and Christmas carols. They wear light-colored dresses, tulle veils, and multicolored staffs.
Today, the dance is also performed in Huaral and several districts of Lima with groups that use colorful costumes, silk bands decorated with sequins, and feathered turbans or hats. The only instrument accompanying the men's ensemble is the violin, while the women are accompanied by the guitar, transmitting joy and tenderness as they perform.
The Hatajo de Negritos stomp to the rhythm of the violin, and the Pallitas dance to the guitar. In essence, the dancers represent the shepherds visiting baby Jesus at his birth. In these visits, they present their dances and songs to the nativity scenes in homes, where they are hosted with food and drinks. They also perform their dances in streets and plazas.
Christmas in Huayán
In the town of Huayán, located in the Ancash province of Huarmey, Christmas is celebrated with the Negritos de Huayán dance, an ancestral tradition recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Nation on February 27, 2009. This cultural expression is an allegory of the African-origin populations who lived in the area during colonial times.
The Negritos are the central figures, bearers of the good news signifying the arrival of baby Jesus. The festive atmosphere comes alive in the town’s main square and streets, adorned with beautiful decorations to welcome the participants organized into vibrant troupes.
The main participants of this dance are the cuadrilla or the core group of Afro-Peruvians; the procuradores or coordinators, who hire the troupe, provide costumes, and prepare offerings for the Christ Child. Another highlight is the “elderly” characters, represented by the “clueless old man” and the “old woman carrying a child on her back”, who accompany her husband. These characters add a humorous touch to this unique rendition of Christmas.
This dance shares undeniable similarities with other “negritos” dances from the central highlands. However, the Huayán version preserves distinctive traits in its costumes, music, dance steps, and the figures that make up the troupe.
Christmas in Huánuco
In Huánuco, the longest Christmas celebration in the world takes place, from December 24 to January 19 of the following year. The birth of Jesus is celebrated with one of the region's most beloved traditional dances, the Negritos de Huánuco, also known as the “Brotherhood of the Negritos”. This celebration is an allegory of the decree issued by President Ramón Castilla on December 13, 1854, which granted freedom to Afro-Peruvian slaves.
Since this historic event, the “Cofradías de Negritos” have paraded through the streets, visiting nativity scenes and churches to thank the Christ Child for the grace granted, with lively dances and music in an atmosphere of great joy.
The owners of the nativity scenes would thank the visit by offering drinks such as huarapo and shacta (traditional alcoholic beverages), as well as traditional dishes like locro. This practice continued in the following years, and in this way, the dance of the Negritos became institutionalized in Huánuco and other regions of the Peruvian highlands.
During the Christmas celebration, members of various brotherhoods dance through the streets of Huánuco, competing with each other in terms of the beauty of their costumes, agility, and skill to the rhythm of Afro-Hispanic music.
The dance is initiated by the Caporales, represented by two figures with their faces hidden behind shiny leather masks. They are elegantly dressed in dark velvet outfits embroidered with gold and silver threads, crystal ribbons, sequins, and various ornaments hanging from their chests, while golden epaulets adorn their shoulders.
They complete their outfits with colorful feathered hats, wearing bells on their legs and carrying sonorous bronze bells and thick whips, all of which set the pace for the lively music. The Caporales lead the rhythm for the rest of the group.
Another iconic character is the “Corochano”, who wears a tattered jacket and a mask representing the old Spanish nobility. With his rattle and constantly waving whip, he entertains the audience with jokes.
The joyful expressions and dances of the group are complemented by characters such as the “Turco” and “La Dama”, symbols of Spanish nobility and the estate owners. They represent the slave owners before the slaves' liberation. An important figure in the dance is the “Abanderado”, who also wears a mask and moves among the Negritos, carrying a flag that symbolizes freedom.
Christmas in Huancavelica
This festivity, celebrated from December 22 to 27, is called “Navidad en honor al Niño Lachocc” (Christmas in honor of the Child Lachocc), the Virgin of the Nativity, and the Native Child. In February 2011, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation for being an original manifestation and an expression of the regional tradition that has been preserved in popular memory and enriched over time.
The tradition refers to the Niño Lachocc, sometimes accompanied by his friend, now known as the Niño Nativo, who appeared in various places in the region. Upon hearing that he performed miracles, the residents of the city of Huancavelica tried, unsuccessfully, to take him and bring him to the city.
It was only when the neighbors organized a great feast in his honor, accompanied by a zapateo (stomping dance), with dancers dressed in white and accompanied by the sound of rattles, in front of the Church of San Sebastián, where the Niño Lachocc agreed to remain in that temple. Since then, the image of the Niño Lachocc reside there.
Currently, the central part of the celebration involves an “atipanakuy”, or competition between dance troupes, specifically the “danzantes de tijera” (scissors dancers), led by a coplero (leader) and latamachos (clowns). Each competition lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, during which the dancers showcase their strength, endurance, and skill in the dance, which is believed to be inspired by the natural forces they represent.
Christmas in Pucará
The celebration of the Child Jesus in Pucará, a town in the Puno province of Lampa, is another traditional Andean festival. Here, Christmas is celebrated to the rhythm of musical orchestras set up in the town’s Plaza de Armas.
On the morning of December 25, the townspeople process with the image of the Child Jesus, and in the afternoon, a dance competition takes place. The festivities last for eight days.
Christmas in Jauja
It seems that in smaller towns, the Catholic-Andean syncretism is more pronounced. For example, in the Yanamarca Valley in the province of Jauja, in the Junín region, the Pachahuara dance is performed during Christmas.
Dancers wear outfits embroidered with silver thread and display expensive jewelry. They also wear grotesque black leather masks and parade through the streets and plazas, dancing.
The Pachahuara is an allegory to the freedom granted to the Afro-Peruvian population by Marshal Ramón Castilla. Others say the dance represents the joy of everyone celebrating Christmas and the arrival of the New Year.
However, in Junín, the Andean Christmas festival is celebrated throughout the towns of the region. Folkloric dance festivals are organized, featuring dances such as Chacranegro, Tunantada, Negritos, Huaylía, Pastoras, Pastorcitos, Corcovado, and Chutos.
Christmas in Apurímac
In Apurímac, the Huaylía festival is celebrated in the provinces of Antabamba and Aymaraes. The birth of the Child Jesus is commemorated with the sounds of harp and violin.
The Huaylías are joyful dances and songs in Quechua and Spanish, sung in gratitude to the Child Jesus. The Huaylía of Antabamba was recognized as a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2004 by the then National Institute of Culture.
During the dance, the fervor and devotion of the pastores (shepherds), guiadores (leaders), and tronadores (drummers) are displayed as they celebrate the arrival of the Son of God. This dance is of a religious nature and expresses the fusion between Spanish and Quechua cultures.
Christmas in Yauyos
In the towns of the provinces in the Lima region, Christmas is celebrated following an ancient tradition. In the town of Tomas, in the Yauyos province, the birth of the Child Jesus is celebrated with traditional dances. In Canta, the Villancicos festival takes place with the participation of the townspeople.
In the village of Quinches, in Yauyos, Christmas is a collective celebration. The townspeople celebrate by dancing to typical ensembles, with special music known as the Aylle or the Baile de las Pastoras (Dance of the Shepherdesses). Accompanied by harp, flutes, violins, and maracas, the beautiful folk scene of the shepherdesses begins on December 24 and continues until Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass).
Christmas in the Amazonian region
The birth of the Child Jesus is not only a reason for great celebration with unique versions in the Peruvian highlands. In the Amazon, it also represents a special occasion to celebrate the cultural richness of its people. For example, in the Ucayali region, the Pastoreadas Navideñas stand out.
This folkloric tradition, originating in the 19th century, involves young people and children dressed as biblical and mystical figures from the jungle. They go out into the streets in search of nativity scenes, emulating the journey to follow the Star of Bethlehem. During the visits, they offer snacks made from local products.
To the rhythm of drums, snare drums, whistles, and tambourines, the groups dance and sing, performing Amazonian carols. The procession culminates at the nativity set up in the Plaza de Armas of the town.
Christmas in Lambayeque
In the traditional town of Chiclayo, in the Lambayeque region, this festivity is celebrated with a live nativity scene. Prominent local residents personify the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the Child Jesus, dressed in local attire. The Virgin Mary wears the traditional dress of the Marinera Lambayecana dance, which is symbolic of the region.
The nativity also features Christmas tree decorations made from native cotton, palm straw, reeds, and other local materials used by local artisans.
The celebration also includes the presentation of large, decorated breads with images of the Holy Trinity, sweet empanadas, and a variety of dishes from the exquisite gastronomy that characterizes this Chiclayano town during Christmas.
Christmas in Cusco
In the Santiago district, located in the Cusco province, a unique nativity scene is set up, where figures like the Child Jesus, called "Qorilacito," Mary, and Joseph are depicted as residents of the Chumbivilcas province, showcasing the artistic expressions, customs, and traditions of this high Andean region of Cusco.
At the foot of the colonial Santiago Temple, a simple house is built with wooden structures, chachacomo logs, and a roof made of ichu (a type of straw). It houses more than ten genuine sculptures crafted by local artisans.
Saint Joseph is dressed in leggings, a red poncho, and a sheep fiber hat. The Virgin Mary wears a skirt, a small bag, a blanket, and a hat, all embroidered with Surphuy flowers. The Three Wise Men wear costumes inspired by the Huaylías dance, including "Majeño," "Ccaraccapa," and "Langosta," complete with chalinas (shawls) and huacollos (traditional Andean hats) in the style of the Ukuku or Andean bear.
In addition to the Wise Men, five dancers dressed in another style of huaylía costumes display jumps and confrontational poses. Their faces are covered by huacollos, and they are adorned with two huallatas (Andean goose feathers), a deer head, and an open-winged condor. The fifth dancer holds a bottle of delicious frutillada (a traditional strawberry drink) and a sonaja (rattle).
The sculptures are created by the family of Cusco artisans, Amao Espinoza, with Mariano Condori as the embroiderer and three sculptors who base their work on studies by Chumbivilca researchers on the huaylía dance.
Christmas in Arequipa
In the White City of Arequipa, a life-sized nativity scene is set up in the courtyard of the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, allowing both residents and tourists to admire it as they gather to celebrate this traditional holiday.
This beautiful and impressive nativity scene consists of 12 pieces made from fiberglass by the Arequipa artist Fredy Luque in 2006. At the center of the scene is the Holy Family, surrounded by the main characters of the nativity, a waterfall, hay, chombas (traditional hats), clay pots, antique milk jugs, blocks of sillar (volcanic stone), baskets with flowers, and other regional and national items such as rocoto (hot pepper), garlic, ají panca (mild chili), ají mirasol (another type of chili), onions, sweet potato, yuca, oca (a type of tuber), chuño (freeze-dried potato), purple corn, grains, and more.
The scene is also adorned with warm lighting, a beautiful blue sky, stars, and music, which accompany the portrayal of the birth of Jesus.
The nativity remains in the cathedral’s courtyard until Sunday, January 12, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
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(END) LZD / JMP / MDV
Published: 12/24/2024