MARVELS OF PERUVIAN CULTURE

Peru is is an amazing fusion of cultures,both ancient and new! The main native languages of Peru are Quechua and Aymara, as well as the many different dialects of the jungle regions, which are all still spoken today. Most areas of Peru speak both their native language as well as Spanish with an estimated 84% of the population being Spanish speakers. The native Andean people of Peru and some of whom are direct descents of the Incas, have been able to maintain their ancient traditions and ways of life and also fuse their beliefs and customs with the more, the more modern “western” way of life, making for a super interesting mix of cultural diversity. Here are 10 things you should know about Peru’s incredible culture. 

Natural dyes

1.    Peruvians have their unique way of celebrating ..EVERYTHING! If you decide on a Peru vacation, it is recommended to attend a traditional festival; you will not be disappointed! Peruvians have a unique talent for celebrating everything and have a national day for most events, from birthdays to celebrating its native Pisco Sour.

Paucartambo

The only thing to do is join in on the celebration! Peruvian fiestas are a wonderful mix of the traditional and the religious, with a little bit of the modern all mixed into the melting pot. The biggest festival is probably Semana Santa or Easter week, which is a weeklong festival of daily activities which vary from village to town to city but is usually a sight to behold, wherever you may be. The more modern-day festivals and celebrations such as Halloween, new years eve and the traditional festival of Inti Raymi in Cusco, are massive reasons to celebrate that can only be admired! 

2.    Peruvians are religious. Religions in Peru are a fantastic fusion between Catholicism and the traditional Andean religions.

Corpus Cristi, Cusco

One of the best ways of explaining this unique mixture of faiths is the painting in the cathedral of Cusco which depicts the last supper of Jesus, with the main dish being "guinea pig” the emblematic tradition dish of the Andes. It is totally normal to give your thanks to God as well as the traditional blessing to the mother earth…all in one amazingly, spectacular ceremony. 

3.    Peruvians still use Traditional dress Whether you are visiting the north of Peru with their traditional Norteña style of dress or the Andean region, with their hand made woven textiles, most parts of Peru have their traditional way of dress.

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca

Most communities identify their village by the detailed weavings and designs in their clothes and may use traditional or “normal” ways of dress or even a mixture of the two. This is one of the ways Peruvians express their impressive culture. If you love clothes, designs and traditional ways of dressing Peru is quite possibly one of the best destinations for you. 

4.    Peruvian traditions are kept alive by music and dance. Hand in hand with the many celebrations that occur in Peru, these are always accompanied by the native music and dance of the region. Peruvian music is an eclectic mix of Inca, Spanish and African influences. The Andean panpipes combine with a giant harp or a tiny ukelele and a square box drum called the Cajon, to form a traditional band of musicians.

Andean Music

Lots of folk stories are told through song and form a huge part of Peruvian culture. Peruvians also take their dance extremely seriously. The traditional dances were a major part of all cultural activities. Now with a more modern focus, the salsa, bachata and reggaeton have their own different Latin moves and grooves to keep the younger people happy. However, the traditional dances are still on display by all at the festivals and family gatherings. 

5.    Peruvians are courteous. Peruvians by nature, are welcoming, warm and friendly. A few words of Spanish will go a long way when trying to make friends and don’t worry when the taxi driver wants your whole life story when you enter their vehicle for a 20-minute journey, its a way of breaking the ice.

Take a picture?

Also please ask permission before taking any photos and the Andean ladies in Cusco, will expect a small coin if you want a photo of her with a baby llama, however, in the smaller communities, it is normal for people to refuse a photo no matter the amount of money being offered. This is a cultural norm and as such, should be respected at all times. 

6.    Peruvian food! Peruvians are very proud of their traditional culinary dishes and so they should be! The different climatic regions of Peru only add to the variety of delicious meals on offer in Peru and the array of different natural foods and grains is mindblowing. Ceviche is Peru’s national dish and a must-do on any visit to Peru. This is a coastal speciality as it involves all types of fish and seafood.

Peruvian Corn

The traditional Andean plate is the “guinea-pig or “Cuy” as it is called. Also, the Alpaca steak is a carnivore's delight in the mountain regions. The jungle region has a traditional dish called “Juane” which is made from rice and vegetables, cooked and served ina banana leaf. The drinks are incredible too, with Pisco Sour being the national drink. At the same time, non-alcohol options include “Chicha Morada” made from purple corn and “Inca cola” which a bubble gum flavoured, fizzy option. 

7.    Time is a different concept in Peru. Being on time in Peru is a very different concept as it is socially acceptable to arrive late to most events. Actually being on time is called “English time” or “Hora Inglesa” if we are talking about actually being on time. Turing up 1 hour late to a social event is actually considered normal.

Pedestrian rush-hour

Expect people not to call or simply, not turn up and arrive two days later, especially in the Andean regions. Time perspectives are very, very different! Peruvians also know how to distribute their time equally between work responsibilities and family responsibilities and generally lead a well-balanced life, something we could all learn from! 

8.    Peruvians shop at local markets. The massive variety of Peruvian fruits and vegetables is second to none and while supermarkets exist, Peruvian natives will generally buy fresh produce at the market.

Peruvian fresh produce market

People will eat at the market, have a fresh juice at the market and arrange quite a few social activities at the market and a trip to a local market is a must-do on your trip to Peru to experience Peruvian culture to the full. Bear in mind that markets are cash only and use local currency. Also, take small notes as vendors rarely have change. 

9.    Peruvians are amazing Artisans. Peruvians are incredibly creative people. The traditional forms of art are weavings, jewellery and wood and stone carvings. Thes items were usually exchanged between different geographical areas of Peru using a bartering system.

Pisaq Handicrafts

The more modern forms of art come for the Spanish and have a colonial snd religious influence. Alpaca wool is handwoven and used in contemporary garments and exported on an international level. Musical instruments are handcrafted and sold on a wide scale from harps, guitars, ukuleles as well as cajones, and a large number of pan pipes and flutes, especially in the Andes.  

10.    Personal Space. In general, Peruvians have a lot more personal proximity and especially in crowded areas; it is common for shoulder or elbow touching. Don’t take this personally; people are simply involved in their day to day activities.

Lima

It is customary to give one kiss on the cheek when you meet someone new, even when you do not know them. This is used as a “hello” and a “goodbye”. Personal space is a slightly different concept than what we are possibly used to from our home countries.