Inti Raymi: Cultural Preservation or Capitalistic Exploitation? [Featured]

With tickets sold to tourists priced at $80 each, indigenous Cusqueños are effectively barred from the modern-day recreations of their ancestors’ most important religious event, Inti Raymi. Is there anything left in this “ritual” that reflects the Inca empire’s glorious past, or is it all a show put on to make money from tourists? Camden Luxford explains.

July 31, 2010 | Commentary/Opinion, Traditions

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An Andean Tradition: Knitting with Alpaca

Kate Robertson shares her experiences in the Andean region of Ancash and the story of an Alpaca knitting project she helped get off the ground.

March 1, 2010 | Ancash & Huaraz Guide

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New Year Traditions: Die!…Muñeco…Die!

Tom Filipowicz in Chiclayo recounts the tradition of burning mannequins as part of New Year celebrations in Peru, as well as other customs.

January 31, 2010 | Modern Peru, Traditions

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Chiclayo: The Preservation of Tradition

In November, Tom Filipowicz visited the event held for the Mochica Identity Week and discusses what he feels is a strong local connection and respect for traditions and customs. Participating were school groups, each choosing and important local custom to present to visitors.

January 13, 2010 | Lambayeque & Chiclayo Guide, Modern Peru, Traditions

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Cafe Ayllu: A classic coffee shop in Cusco

Although it sadly no longer exists, it’s nice to be reminded of the once iconic Cafe Ayllu of Cusco, thanks to photographer Scott Vanthoff.

December 29, 2009 | Commentary/Opinion, Cusco Guide

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Recreation in Ayacucho – The battle that liberated a continent

On the 10th of December of this year, 185 years passed since Peru won a battle that decisively ended any hope for a Spanish presence in South America. At 3,500 above sea level, on the field of battle of the Pampa de Quinua, thousands gathered to take part in a huge recreation in honour of this occasion.

December 13, 2009 | Ayacucho Guide, Modern Peru, Traditions

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A taste of Black Peru with Oscar Villanueva

Take a look at this video of Afro-Peruvian dancing…

April 17, 2009 | Music

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Carnavales

February is over, it is finally safe to come out of hiding and explain how carnival is celebrated in Peru. While Brazilians are building floats and flailing around, most Peruvians have to look over their shoulders. I have to mention Brazil because to most foreigners, the word carnival is synonymous with Peru’s largest neighbour. It may come as a surprise to many though that carnival is a big deal in Peru too – in fact, the next biggest and best carnival experience in the Americas is hosted in the north of the Andean country, in beautiful Cajamarca. Here the hugely anticipated event is the local population’s reason for being – and you can’t blame them, read about it here.

March 8, 2009 | Commentary/Opinion, History, Lima City Guide

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The benefits of Maca – specifically osteoporosis

Domesticated in Peru millennia ago, Maca was an essential crop for use in the alimentation of ancient Peruvians. Its affects on the body were numerous. It raised energy levels – Inca warriors would consume it before battles and messengers would consume it to be able to run up and down mountains day after day, old people who consumed it would work in the fields as if they were young. It would ward-off disease, increase fertility and could even be used to treat depression. It is also now proven as a cure for osteoporosis.

October 12, 2008 | Commentary/Opinion

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Inti Raymi

The Spanish had yet to arrive in Peru but there was such frantic activity throughout the empire in the week leading up to the 24th of June that it was obvious that something just as big was happening. In fact it happened every year and was very important – but thankfully well-rehearsed Inca rituals meant there was no real cause for alarm.

June 24, 2008 | Cusco Guide, Modern Peru

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Perú Negra – Black Peru

Afro-Peruvians contribute significantly to the culture of Peru, particularly in music.

Afro-Peruvians make up about 6% of the population and although settled throughout the country along with the spanish conquistadors, can be found mainly along the costal region.

May 19, 2006 | Modern Peru, Music, Traditions

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