Peruvian culture is one of the richest and most diverse in Latin America. With a history dating back more than
5,000 years, Peru has a wealth of traditions, customs and cultural manifestations that are unique in the world.
From pre-Columbian architecture to gastronomy, music, dance and handicrafts.
Since the first Peruvian settlers stopped being nomadic and started with the sedentary way of life that emerged
with the discovery of agriculture, the development of the great cultures began, from Chavín to the IncaEmpire; this cultural process was ordered by the English archaeologist John Rowe by antiquity and then classified
in Horizons and Periods.
The horizons include the great civilisations that covered a large territory, extending their political, economic, social and religious characteristics. By the other side, in the periods are the smaller civilisations, but which were also very important.
Beginning with the Early Horizon, also known as Formative, it was characterised by the agricultural revolution, the appearance of ceramics, and the development of architecture and weaving. Among the Vicus, Paracas and Chavín cultures, the last one was the most outstanding, it flourished in the central Andean region between the 10th and 4th centuries BC, and was characterised by its monumental architecture and its figurative art in ceramics, metallurgy and textiles.
Then we find the Early Intermediate Nazca, Mochica and Recuay cultures, among others. This period was characterised by regional flourishing, an increase in population and the improvement of agriculture and art.
The Moche culture, which developed on the northern coast of Peru, was noted for its skill in ceramics and metallurgy, and for its complex irrigation and agricultural system. The Nazca culture, which developed on the southern coast of Peru.
The Middle Horizon was a period of expansion and domination, with technological and urban development and the officialisation of religion. In this horizon we find the Wari and Tiahuanaco cultures, these new states were characterised by their more complex political and economic organization, with more sophisticated irrigation systems and crops, and a greater diversification in handicraft production.
The Late Intermediate period saw the regional independence of the states, as well as great urban, craft and commercial development. This period also saw a greater diversification in the forms of art and expression, with the appearance of new ceramic, textile and architectural styles. In addition, new religions and beliefs were developed, and there were important advances in astronomical and mathematical knowledge. The Chimú, Lambayeque, Cusco, Chincha and Chancay cultures are the main examples.
Finally, the Late Horizon, where the Great Inca Empire emerged in 1438, began its expansion until it dominated, at the beginning of the 16th century, more than 200 Andean nations, covering the largest territory in the western hemisphere. The Inca civilisation was the synthesis of all the pre-Inca cultures; they adopted and developed all the cultural manifestations of the peoples they dominated. Their main merit was to create an imperial state whose aim was the unification of the Andean world, but whose definitive consolidation was cut short by the Spanish invasion.
In addition to the cultures mentioned above, there are many more, including some that have only recently been discovered, each of which has left us a very important heritage, and thanks to them our culture is different from the others. This appreciation for pre-Hispanic culture is reflected in the gastronomy of each region, in their great celebrations with typical dances, demonstrating that they take their heritage as part of their identity, for example:
🔆"La Fiesta del Sol", it is held since the Inca culture in honor of Inti, the sun god, and now it is held on the Sacsayhuaman Explanada every June 24. The Inti Raymi work follows a script that simulates the sacrifice of two llamas that are believed to predict the future. After this ceremony an Inca ceremony is held in the main square of Cusco for the government to do a good job. The next step and sunset concludes the ceremony and the celebration begins.
🔆“El Huayno” The most popular dance of the Peruvian highlands, originating from the Aymara-Quechua culture. The name comes from the Quechua word WAYNARICUNATAKY, which means "song about a young man in love". It is practiced with beautiful typical costumes from the Peruvian Andes, currently different modalities are used according to local and regional traditions.
🔆The ritual "El pago a la Tierra" is a tradition that has passed from generation to generation to this day. The Moche, Lambayeque and Inca cultures delivered offerings of coca, brandy and food so that the spirit of their ancestors convinced the land to continue presenting her fertility. Currently it is performed on the first day of August and continues throughout the month, the peasants affirm that at this time the Pachamama is thirsty and hungry, so this offering gives her strength and energy.
In conclusion, the appreciation of Peruvians for our culture is deep-rooted and profound. Peruvian culture is a source of identity and pride for Peruvians, who value and promote it in their daily lives. The richness and diversity of Peruvian culture are a sample of the creativity and history of a country that continues to enrich and evolve through its cultural expressions, which is why we also share the great celebrations with foreign countries, to put the name of Peru on high throughout the world.
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