THE 5 MOST POPULAR TYPICAL DANCES OF TACNA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

Among the main typical dances of Tacna are the zampoñada, the tinkiñacada, the tarkada, anata and the comparsa. The department of Tacna, one of the twenty-four that make up the Republic of Peru.

This department is characterized by its multiple cultural manifestations within which dance occupies one of the first places.

The types of dances in the region are so varied that they include Aymara, Black, Spanish and even Polish influences.

Tacna, or "I hit in this place" according to the exact translation of Quechua, was founded in 1855 and is located in southern Peru bordering Puno, Moquegua, Chile, Bolivia and the Pacific Ocean.

The 5 main typical dances of Tacna

1- The zampoñada

Also known as jalajala or zikuris, it is the emblematic dance of celebrations, patron saint festivities or any cultural ritual within the department of Tacna.

Its name comes from the zampoña, a flute-type wind instrument that interprets the melodies of the Camilacan huaynos for this dance.

It is executed in pairs and the traditional clothing includes the use of silk fabrics with colors such as red, green and white.

2- Tinkiñakada

The tinkiñakada is one of the oldest dances of Aymara origin that is still maintained in the Tacna region, especially in the province of Candavare.

It always occurs on irrigation days, on grazing days and on patron saint festivities.

This dance, analogous to indigenous rituals linked to the land, is danced in pairs using tools to work the land as symbols.

As part of the props of the representation, the dry and thin sticks for lacquer stand out.

3- The tarkada

The tarkada originates in Candarave in colonial times and is traditionally danced in pairs and gangs during the Tacna carnival festivities.

It is said that this dance is intended to emulate the elegant flight of the condors.

The male clothing used in the execution of this dance includes dark pants, a white shirt and a handkerchief.

The women wear a pink, purple or fuchsia silk skirt, a white shirt and a scarf. Both men and women wear black cloth hats.

4- Anata

It is a dance of Inca tradition and comes from Camilaca, more specifically from the farm called Anata, in which indigenous slaves used to practice these rhythms and movements.

They dance with the anaco, a colorful pre-Hispanic costume. The rhythm and music are interpreted by quenas and drums.

5- The troupe

It is danced from the music played by quenas and guitars. Its origins come from the province of Tarata, with a syncretism between Catholicism and indigenous traditions.

You can enjoy this dance on the fourth day of the patronal feast of San Benedicto. This cultural manifestation is also linked to the ancient traditions of animal sacrifices.

The clothing for his interpretation consists of suits with primary colors and fabrics such as silk to give more shine.

Every year new clothes and rhythms are also added to the performance, but always maintaining a link with the original steps.

References

1. Queija, B. (1984). The dances of the Indians: a way for the evangelization of the viceroyalty of Peru. Madrid: Magazine of the Indies. Retrieved on November 22, 2017 from: search.proquest.com
2. Murua, M; Gaibrois, M. (1987). General history of Peru. Retrieved on November 22, 2017 from: espeleokandil.org
3. Valladolid, C. (2004). Notes for a dictionary of traditional dances of Peru. Retrieved on November 22, 2017 from: repositorio.cultura.gob.pe
4. Portugal, A. (2016). Tacna traditional dances. Retrieved on November 22, 2017 from: danzastradicionalesdetacna.blogspot.com
5. Tacna. Retrieved on November 22, 2017 from: es.wikipedia.org