Music & Tradition

Peruvian music is eclectic because it is a combination of sounds and styles that draw on Peru’s Andean musical roots, yet is also influenced by Spanish tradition.  The addition of Chinese and African influences also has a profound inspiration on the country’s musical style.  Andean influences are heard through the use of wind instruments.  African influences are heard mostly through the use of percussion instruments and rhythm.  European influences are heard in the harmonies and stringed instruments.  No matter where you are, music can be heard somewhere.

Every town, village, and city has its own traditions and legends that they celebrate.  It is strange, but the culture within an area can be dramatically different from village to village or city to city.  The celebrations and traditions include music, dances, meals, and beverages.  The differences are because of the different integrated influences and due to availability.  Music is likely to differ based on the city’s inhabitants and their cultural histories, dances are likely influenced most on religious and historical legends, and the meals and beverages are influenced by what is available and native to the area. 

There are many religious celebrations like Christmas and Corpus Christi, and there are others that incorporate indigenous beliefs with Christianity.  They choose not to forget their cultural history which is admirable.  Other traditional holidays that Peruvians celebrate include All Saints’ Day on November 1^st where the spirits of the dead are celebrated, St. Peter and St. Paul’s Day on June 29^th, and the Immaculate Conception Day on December 8^th. 

Peruvian traditions, music, and the arts all stem from their multi-collaborative histories and cultural influences.  They don’t just ‘change with the times’ which is common in America, but they remember their history.