THE 5 MOST POPULAR CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF PUNO - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The customs and traditions of Puno (Peru), due to the age of the region and the cultural mix between various ethnic groups and the colonizers, led to a diversity that is very interesting for residents and visitors.

In this region, the Quechuas and the Aymaras planted their roots through folklore. Colonization contributed religious customs and adopted the Virgen de la Candelaria as patron.

Every February 2, on the day of Candlemas, Puno gathers the best of itself to celebrate the Festivities.

For 18 days, in the month of February, the streets of the towns that belong to Puno overflow showing crafts, dances, typical music of the region to worship their patron.

Puno has held the title of the "Folk Capital of Peru", since November 5, 1985.

5 well-known customs and traditions of Puno

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In the tradition of this region is the elaboration of masks with which the dancers of the festivities complement their outfits.

These masks usually have as a theme for representation animals, demons, blacks, angels, among other varieties of figures. The masks recreate great fantasies of Puno folklore.

Dances

As Puno is the folk capital of Peru, you cannot stop delving into what it has to offer in terms of dance.

There are more than 300 dances product of the ethnic groups and religions of the region. These dances are duly registered as the heritage of Puno.

Among the most outstanding dances are: the Cullahulla, the Ichu Carnival, the Waca Waca, the Kajelo, the Sikuris, the Machu Tusuj, the Llamerada, the Diablada, the Moreno King, the Marinera Puno, the Pandilla, the Morenada, among other.

The manufacture and use of Quenas and Zampoñas

Both objects are musical instruments used in the folklore of the region. Its sounds are typical of the festivals and dances that are commemorated in Puno.

The Quenas: they are wind instruments that are made of wood, cane, plastic or bone. 5 or 6 holes are made in the tube that the musician when blowing must cover with his fingers to generate different sounds.

The Zampoñas: like a quena, they are wind instruments. Its manufacture consists of using reed cane tubes of different sizes, joined by braided threads in one or two rows. Blowing generates different notes.

Ceramic Objects

The most emblematic one made in the region is the Pucará bull. This was used to mark cattle.

It was also used in the form of a pitcher for the officials of the ceremonies to drink a mixture of girls with cattle blood.

These pieces are accompanied by various objects such as miniature houses, local churches, among others, which represent regional customs.

Parties

There are a large number of typical celebrations throughout the year in Puno. However, there is a celebration that is the most special for all the locals and it is the one that worships the patron.

The Candlemas Festival, makes all the customs and traditions of Puno gather for 18 days to thank and bless Mother Earth or Pachamama with their patron saint.

References

1. Bourricaud, F. (2015). Changes in Puno: Andean Sociology Studies. Texas: Institut français d'études andines.
2. Dilwyn Jenkins, KD (2015). The Rough Guide to Peru. Peru: Penguin.
3. Segreda, R. (2009). V! VA Travel Guides: Peru. USA: Viva Publishing Network.
4. Texas, U. o. (nineteen ninety five). Presence of Puno in popular culture. Texas: New College Publishing Company.
5. Vega, JJ (2004). History and tradition: Ayacucho, Cusco, Puno. Michigan: IDESI.