THE 5 MOST POPULAR CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF ANCASH - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The customs and traditions of Ancash are an example of the cultural syncretism that characterizes the Peruvian nation. Ancash is a department that includes 20 provinces, each with its respective districts.

All these provinces display an extensive and varied folk heritage that combines traditions inherited from colonial times and ancestral rituals of the aborigines.

Thus, part of the customs and traditions of this region includes both religious and pagan festivals.

Among the traditional activities are the festivities in honor of the patron saints, processions, festivals and others.

On the occasion of these festivities you can appreciate Ancash cuisine and the variety of typical dances of this department.

The 5 main traditions of Ancash

1- Huaracino Carnival

The Huaraz carnival is among the most deeply rooted customs and traditions of Ancash. Huaraz, capital of the department of Ancash, is the host city of the event that takes place during February and March.

This celebration includes the programming of various activities. The mask contest and the Ño Carnavalón costume contest are some of the most important.

In addition, there are activities such as parade of the beauty queens and comparsas. The celebration culminates with an award to the winning dance groups.

2- Huachihualito

Among the customs and traditions of Ancash, the huachihualito stands out. The cortamontes, as it is also known, is a common element in Andean carnival celebrations. And Ancash is no exception.

It is a tree that is decorated with different materials: liquors, breads, streamers, fruits, balloons and gifts of all kinds.

The huaracinos dance in pairs around him, and will try to make him fall with a machete or ax. The successful couple should adorn it the following year.

3- Patron saint festivities

In Ancash the patron saint festivals of the different regions are celebrated with great pomp. Among the most famous is the festival of the Virgin of Huata, patron saint of the province of Huaylas.

This takes place on August 15; on the eve, this province receives many pilgrims who travel on foot.

It also includes a retreat, mass, fireworks and a very ostentatious procession. Other very important patron saint festivals are: San Pedro (Corongo), the Virgen de las Nieves (Sihuas), Santiago apóstol (Aija and Cabana) and Santa Rosa (Chiquian).

4- Typical dances

The different religious, patronal and civic festivals have one element in common: traditional dances.

In this region there is a great variety of typical dances, each with its own choreography and its own particular paraphernalia.

For example, the shaqsha dance includes the wearing of a cap with a small mirror and three feathers, as well as gaiters with bells and whips. Together they produce a distinctive sound.

For its part, in the anti-Huanquillas dance, a cane with bells and a shield is used.

5- Typical dishes

Gastronomy is an essential part of the customs and traditions of Ancash. Among its emblematic dishes is the spicy guinea pig, prepared with peanut sauce and ají panca.

The guinea pig, or Peruvian hamster, is a very popular guinea pig in that nation. In addition, other outstanding dishes of Ancash cuisine are: cuchicanca (tender marinated suckling pig), charqui (dried llama meat) and pecan caldo (ram's head broth), among others.

References

1. Huaraz Carnival. (s / f). In From Peru. Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from deperu.com
2. Fuentes, M. (2017, February). The carnival festivities, intangible cultural heritage. Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from patrimonioculturalperu.com
3. González, F. (s / f). Ancashino folklore. Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from repositorio.flacsoandes.edu.ec
4. Den Otter, E. (s / f). Music and society in the callejón de Huaylas, Ancash. Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from magazines.pucp.edu.pe
5. Granda, M. (2011). Delights of Peruvian cuisine: Manual that every housewife should have. Indiana: Xlibris.