THE 5 MOST POPULAR JUNÍN CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The customs and traditions of Junín are characterized as the most joyous and colorful throughout Peru. They include religiosity, some rituals, dances and dances, activities that require a lot of work. However, they celebrate them with great enthusiasm.

According to studies carried out by the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Junín is the department that lives the happiest.

It should be noted that this is not because there are no problems or concerns in the region, this is because they feel sufficiently satisfied with the traditions of their land and how they have evolved in modernity.

The 5 most outstanding customs and traditions of Junín

Descent of Kings

In Junín this tradition is very special; They celebrate it on January 6 and it runs until the last days of the month. It could even reach the first days of February if the calendar of the year allows it.

This is a very outstanding festival in the Junín provinces, since it has ancestral roots.

It is important to know that this celebration is different in all places in Junín. However, they have the same objective: to maintain harmony, union and above all peace. This celebration is accompanied by dances and typical orchestras of the region.

The carnivals

The carnivals in Junín are characterized by being festivals that still maintain their pre-Hispanic origins. However, they have been adapting to modernity, without losing their cultural essence.

The difference of these carnivals with the other countries is that it is not only celebrated on 3 holidays, they also celebrate it on the four Sundays of the month.

These carnivals bring with them celebrations of up to 40 days of dance. A great example of carnival dance is El Cortamonte. There are also typical drinks and dishes that mark each province and the so-called "water games."

Craftsman's Day in Junín

It is celebrated on March 19 of each year. In this celebration, honor is given to the valuable work done by artisans.

In Junín artisan exhibitions are held, where all artisans participate. There the artisan products are made known, what is their historical content and why it is recognized nationally and worldwide.

These festivals also have the participation of elements of gastronomy and cultural dances.

Lord of Muruhuay

It is a celebration that begins on March 3 and extends throughout the month. This religious festival is very interesting, because you can see the mix between pre-Hispanic and current religion.

Rituals are performed that are associated with the agricultural area, where they are grateful to have the three elements to produce food for man, that is, water, stone (tool) and earth.

During the celebration of the Lord of Muruhuay gastronomic fairs are held, where they offer typical dishes, such as pachamancas, spicy guinea pig and other dishes prepared in the oven.

Junín National Holidays

These festivals are celebrated in all the provinces of Peru, Junín stands out for the enthusiasm and joy with which they give life to the celebrations.

In the national holidays of Junín, the typical dances stand out, among them the well-known Santiago competition. This is a traditional dance that pays tribute to the fecundity of animals.

These national celebrations also offer a series of traditional regional dishes, such as suckling pig on bread or grilled trout.

References

1. Carlos Garayar, WH (2003). Departmental Atlas of Peru: Junín. Peru: La Republica Publications.
2. Luis Millones, SC (1998). Folklore: about Andean gods, rites and knowledge. Peru: Andean Folklore Scientific Society, Rural Support Center.
3. Palma, R. (1957). Peruvian traditions: complete collection, Volume 4. Empresa Gráfica Editorial, SA
4. Palma, R. (1996). Peruvian traditions. Peru: Collection of Archives.
5. Verger, P. (1951). Parties and dances in Cuzco and in the Andes. Peru: Editorial Sudamericana.