- The 5 most representative traditions of Lambayeque
- 1- Dances
- 2- Gastronomy
- 3- Crafts
- 4- Healers and shamans
- 5- Traditional festivals
- References
Among the main customs and traditions of Lambayeque, its dances, its gastronomy, its crafts, its healers and its traditional festivals stand out. These manifestations have their origin in pre-Hispanic indigenismo. This is manifested in dances, festive celebrations and in the respect for mystical figures characteristic of this region.
Today, the customs and traditions of the department of Lambayeque mix that tradition with a certain modernity. The influence of Western cultures is especially appreciated in gastronomy.
In any case, Lambayeque is a region rich in cultural manifestations that are very respectful of the past of its people.
The 5 most representative traditions of Lambayeque
1- Dances
The most popular dances in Lambayeque are the tondero, the northern marinera, the zamacueca, the Peruvian waltz and the huaylas. Many of these owe their origin to the Lambayeque or Sicán culture, in pre-colonial times.
They are lively and joyful dances. Some represent the courtship of men to women, while others are related to agricultural activities.
The huaylas, for example, is the dance typical of the times of sowing and harvesting in the northern mountains.
2- Gastronomy
Lambayeque gastronomy is a balanced mix of tradition and modernity. It combines elements of indigenous culture and others originating in Europe or Japan.
The latter is due to the influence of Hispanic colonization and international migrations to Peru in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Among the most representative dishes are arroz con pato, seco de cabrito and chiringuito, which is a regional variety of the famous ceviche. Pacific fish and seafood are present in many dishes.
3- Crafts
Lambayeque artisan products are made from materials available in the region. Some of the most common are straw, wicker, laurel, willow, and some textiles.
Ceramics and leather are also useful raw materials for artisans in the region. Among the most typical crafts of Lambayeque are straw hats, saddlebags, rugs, household items and textile accessories.
4- Healers and shamans
Lambayeque was historically the center of curanderismo, shamanism and traditional medicine in Peru. Even today these manifestations are present and shamans are recognized as highly respected mystical figures.
These shamans are attributed divine gifts for the cure of certain ills related to the soul and spirit.
They use plants, herbs and esoteric rites, which are sometimes public and congregate many people. Healers are part of the living culture of Lambayeque.
5- Traditional festivals
Within folklore there are very diverse cultural expressions characteristic of a people. In addition to dances, regional festivities are very important for the idiosyncrasy of its people.
In this way, almost every month there is one of these celebrations in some important municipality or city in the region.
The most characteristic are the Fiesta de San José, on March 19; and the anniversary of Chiclayo, on April 18.
They also highlight the Lemon Festival, which is held the last week of June; and the festival of the Cross of Chalpón, which takes place during the first week of August.
References
- "Customs and Traditions of the Department of Lambayeque", J. Vera Gastulo. (nineteen eighty one).
- "Textile crafts in the Sierra de Lambayeque", Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru.
- "Lambayeque: the kitchen of a great man", Héctor Solís Cruz. (2011).
- "Anthology of Lambayeque: from its origins to our days", César Toro Montalvo.
- Traditions in Lambayeque, at lambayeque.info