Hiding behind masks, the tunantes dance emulating various such characters: haughty tucumanos (Argentinian mule drivers), Bolivian herbalists, noble ladies, and Cusco traders, among others.
The festival kicks off on January 20, as the husky saxophones and the wailing of violins and clarinets fill Juan Bolivar Crespo Square in Jauja's Yauyos district. The melody gradually intensifies until it resonates in every corner of Mantaro Valley, as the province celebrates its patrons Saint Sebastian and Saint Fabian.
Peruvian Culture Ministry's Intangible Cultural Heritage Director Soledad Mujica refers to the dance as "one of the most meaningful cultural expressions of Peruvian diversity, as well as of the country's long-time status as a meeting point for different languages, cultures and characters."
Tunantada is thus synonym of "interculturalism, tolerance and appreciation of others," Mujica remarks.
Tunantada activities will follow thru January 25, including the 10th National Tunantada Contest, parades, caballo de paso (Peruvian paso horse) contest, as well as the world's largest live orchestra, featuring 600 musicians.
The highland province expects to welcome about 30,000 visitors during Tunantada 2017.
(END) DOP/RES/DHT/MVB