THE 5 MOST RELEVANT CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF CAJAMARCA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The customs and traditions of Cajamarca have their origin in pre-Inca times. Despite this, the vast majority of traditions are influenced by the Catholic religion.

This fusion is reflected in a historical event that occurred in these lands. This event was one of the most momentous in the history of Peru: the moment when Pizarro took Atahualpa prisoner.

Cajamarca's Carnival

Cajamarca is characterized by its folkloric manifestations, which are mainly religious and traditional.

In their festivals, the population celebrates by performing typical dances such as the cashua, the chunchos, the white dance, the pallas, the pachilla, the dance of the feathers and the dance of the devils.

The 5 most traditional customs of Cajamarca

1- Festivities of the crosses of Porcón

Porcón is a town in Cajamarca. Since the time of the Incas, its inhabitants specialized in carving both wood and stone. In recent times, many of them have been carving gravestone stones.

One of the festivals of the crosses of Porcón takes place on Palm Sunday, when the faithful carry wooden crosses carved by artisans.

While holding the crosses, they recreate the entrance of Jesus into the town riding on a donkey. The crosses measure more than two meters and are adorned with flowers and rosemary branches.

The other festival of crosses takes place on All Souls' Day, November 2. The appointment is in the cemetery and before the carved stones, some in the shape of crosses.

Candles are lit, inviting the souls who, according to tradition, return to earth that day. A ceremony is performed that includes the cleaning of the tombstone, prayer and the offering of favorite dishes of the deceased. The coca leaf and chicha de jora are also offered.

2- Carnival

It is one of the most popular and important festivals in Cajamarca. It is noted for the use of colorful costumes, popular music is heard everywhere and there are water games. It is also typical to drink chicha de jora.

The troupes dance around the city. In these, the clone stands out, a character covered with a peaked hat, baggy clothes and a woven wire mask.

On Carnival Saturday, King Momo enters the city, continuing with the celebration. Monday is the main day.

The comparsas are qualified by a jury that chooses the best comparsa and the best costume. On Tuesday the Corso de Carnaval begins, with floats parading through the streets of the city.

3- Christmas party

Christmas in Cajamarca has a mixture of Catholicism and Inca customs.

One manifestation of this is the singing of Christmas carols in the Quechua language, the making of the manger or nativity scene with natural elements, and the making and contest of pallas and chullos (typical hats).

4- Corpus Christi regional fair

The bishop in the cathedral celebrates a mass of great solemnity. When it ends, there is a procession that goes through the entire town.

Then there are scheduled activities, such as bullfights, theater shows, circus, and rides and games of chance.

Currently the fair is held in the district of Baños del Inca. Agricultural products, production, harvest, handicrafts, among others, are exhibited and sold. There are also competitions of Peruvian Paso horses and fishing.

5- Lord of Huamantanga

It takes place from September 23 to 25. It is a religious, cultural and sports fair.

It is about the veneration of a purple Christ about whose origin there are different stories. The Christ has been carried out on litters by the inhabitants of this district since 1998.

Other events are added to this celebration: election of the beauty queen, dance competitions and competitions of typical dishes, among others.

There are constant novenas and rosaries celebrated in homage to Christ, along with theology workshops and sports games.

References

1. Katherine Paredes Martinez (2013) Customs and traditions of Cajamarca. 11/22/2017. All about customs. all about customsofcajamarca.com.ar
2. Drafting (2014) Diverse traditions at Christmas in Cajamarca. 11/22/2017. RPP. rpp.pe
3. Editor (2013) Cajamarca Festivities. 11/22/2017. Peru Explorer. peru-explorer.com
4. Editor (2016) Peru of living cultures. 11/22/2017. Peru. peru.travel
5. Marcela Olivas Weston (2007) Popular art in Cajamarca. 11/22/2017. documentation.cidap.gob.ec