Danza Contigo Per�'s
Participate in this festive, vibrant dance.
FESTEJO
The Peruvian folklore gradually adopted El Festejo dance as part of its rich African heritage.
The dance originated in the coastal sugarcane regions of Per�. El Carmen is a district near Chincha, Per� that has preserved over time the music and dance traditions have kept their original form. The people of Chincha are referred to as "Chinchanos".
The music of Festejo is a unique mix of Spanish guitar and the visceral and seductive African rhythms expressed through the Peruvian caj�n (percussion instrument).
El Festejo, a festive dance is distinguished by its syncopated rhythms that emphasis isolations of the torso and pelvis. The dance movements are free bodily expressions, sensuous and festive, and on occasions complemented with melancholic lyrics of nostalgia.
Hacienda San Jose in Chincha, Per� is one location where current day dancers showcase their talent. Founded in 1688, Hacienda San Jose utilzed slaves to cultivate sugar and honey that was highly desired in those days. Peruvian slavery was abolished in 1854.
February marks the start of Festejo Festivals. Haciendas such as San Jose, San Regis, Pinta, and especially El Guayabo anxiously await this month to host the festivities.
The hacienda is also a place where national Afro-Peruvian dance competitions are held.
Another popular Afro-Peruvian dance is La Zamacueca. The dance has indigenous flavor. It is a singles dance that demonstrates each dancers flirtaeous moves. Most often it is danced in a group.
Other typical dances from Chincha are
El Panalivio,
El Ing�,
El Socav�n,
Tonada Del Congo,
Baile De Los Diablos,
Toro Mata,
El Alcatraz, etc.
Musicians enjoy playing the caj�n, a Peruvian-originated drum instrument, as dancers interpret the "Alcatraz" dance.
El Alcatraz is one version of El Festejo.
Couples place either a hankerchief or newspaper behind their outfit. They dance moving quickly their torsos while trying to avoid getting their handkerchief lite. It is a contest between men and ladies to see whom wins at avoiding the flame. It is a fun and flirtatious expression.
