- Big celebrations
- A dance that is not silly
- Pour the relief water
- An unusual end of the year
- Beliefs that hold
- Nature, adventure and local gastronomy for everyone
- References
As soon as we name Peru, landscapes like Machu Picchu come to our minds. But what we do not know is that this wonderful and ancient country has communities that over time have maintained their traditions and that are worth knowing.
This is the case of Tumbes, one of the twenty-four departments that make up the country. A curiosity about this mysterious Peruvian state: despite being the smallest in area, it is the fifth most densely populated.
What else does the unknown Tumbes have in store for us? We will learn about their customs and traditions.
Big celebrations
Its anniversary is January 7, and the celebration is more than up to the task: the day before, all its inhabitants are part of a serenade and crown the day with a fireworks show.
A dance that is not silly
The "kettle dance" has no equal. It began in towns such as Cerro Blanco, Garbanzal and San Juan de la Virgen, and from there it spread throughout the territory thanks to its particularity.
What is this typical dance about? To imitate the movements that the Creole turkey makes, and this dance is nothing less than a tribute that the locals make to the wild turkey.
Pour the relief water
The newborn to the Church? Not so fast…
Before taking a newborn to the baptism ceremony, in Tumbes it is customary what is called "pouring out the relief water."
What does it consist of? It is carried out in the home of the new family member by choosing a godmother and a godfather (even if they are not the official ones) and the relatives share a dinner spraying the baby with sparkling drinks.
An unusual end of the year
On December 8, as in many other countries in Latin America, the Immaculate Conception is honored. While in other countries it is celebrated with a holiday and the assembly of the Christmas tree, in Tumbes it is different.
The question is like this: in even-numbered years, a large fair is held with the aim of achieving border integration.
But in odd-numbered years, it becomes regional and is characterized as a party that captures everyone's attention with the participation of local and international artists.
Beliefs that hold
June 28 and 29 are not like the rest of the year. The Patronal Festival of San Pedro and San Pablo have a huge call for the fishermen of La Cruz, Zorritos and Puerto Pizarro.
These days, the boats become a party: the fishermen fervently believe that the offerings they make will bring them prosperity, and that is why in addition to making them they adorn their boats with garlands of multiple colors.
Nature, adventure and local gastronomy for everyone
Tumbes is characterized by its variety of ecosystems, such as mangroves and estuaries, and diverse geographies such as extensive plains that coexist with mountains and hills.
It has the well-known Pacific rainforest, which is the Tumbes National Reserve. It also has the dry and equatorial forest called Amotape Hills National Park.
In addition to its beautiful beaches of Punta Sal, Caleta Grau, La Cruz and Zorritos, it has a very special place: an American crocodile breeding center in Puerto Pizarro.
Impervious? The delicious "black shell ceviche" that makes the identity of the locals that inhabit the coasts.
What are you waiting for to visit Tumbes and discover the beauty and peculiarities of this unique culture?
References
- Anonymous author. (Unknown year). "Holidays and traditions". November 27, 2017, from In Peru Website: enperu.org
- Anonymous author. (Unknown year). "About Peru: Peruvian Culture". November 30, 2017, from Peru Travel Website: peru.travel
- Anonymous author. (Unknown year). "Customs In Peru". November 30, 2017, from Go2Peru Website: go2peru.com
- Unknown author. (Unknown year). "Custom Made Trips". November 30, 2017, from Enjoy Peru Now Website: enjoyperunow.com
- César Ferreira and Eduardo Dargent-Chamot. (2002). "Context". In "Culture And Customs In Peru" (1-36). Great Britain: Greenwood.