Program of Aquisito Nomas: Carnivals in Peru 2024
The following program will take you to become part and understand what carnivals represent in some the different regions of Peru by following the story of Carnevale.
“Carnevale” feels lost when he receives an invitation to participate in an event titled “Carnaval”. Raymi, an old friend, tries to bring back Carnevale’s lost memories by reminding him of all the festivities of Peruvian carnivals. Raymi guides Carnevale on a nostalgic trip of his forgotten identity through music, dances, and traditions. With every reawakened memory, Carnevale reconnects with his roots and rediscovers his true self. In the end, embraced in the joy of celebration and the support of his friends, Carnevale encounters clarity and recovers his lost identity.
Dance 1
Polka Limeña
Peruvian Polka is fun, cheerful, and mischievous. The dance involves gracefulness and light hops while keeping one’s feet on the floor. Unlike the Vals, which intertwines nostalgic feelings, the Polka is more energetic and uplifting. It’s a ballroom waltz to have fun for a while! In the beginning, Polka was only danced among the social upper class, but over the years, it became popular and gained momentum. Soon enough, Polka was played and danced at parties of all kinds. Many Criollo composers such as Felipe Pinglo, Chabuca Granda, Manuel “Chato” Raygada or the so-called “King of the Polkas” Don Pedro Espinel created songs with this genre, making it part of the world of Peruvian Music.
Dance 2
Son de los Diablos
This piece is based on the traditional Afro-Peruvian masked dance “Son de los Diablos”, created in the Corpus Christi celebrations in Lima during the colonial period. The dance was described by the ruling elite as a religious drama in which blacks represent evil forces. However, by the time slavery was abolished in 1854, Afro-Peruvians had appropriated this dance as a symbol of cultural resistance, and it was performed during Carnaval in the neighborhoods where they were relocated. The “Son” was banned in 1940, when President Manuel Prado canceled the carnival celebrations in Lima.
Interpretation
Music of Carnivals
Different carnival songs will be interpreted here by musician Abraham Durand using different instruments that have deep roots in the Peruvian culture.
Dance 3
Pandilla Puneña
Pandilla is a carnival dance, joyful and romantic in emotion, dynamic and colorful in appearance, and youthful in its character. The Pandilla is performed during the carnival festival that takes place in Puno, during the time when Nature is dressed in her best, with colorful flowers blooming across the vast hills. The beauty of this scenery, illuminated by a radiant sun, is emanated by the dancers as they cheer with overflowing joy, which in turn blossoms into new love.
Interpretation
Callejon de Calles
Listen to an interpretation of polka criolla, originally composed by Chabuca Granda, as sang by the talented artist Genesis Somoza.
Dance 4
Carnaval de Arequipa
Carnaval de Arequipa is a traditional dance that is performed in a parade of celebrations of the same name. It is a courtship dance mainly performed by young people. Within its many steps and formations, it awakens a sense of energy and joy. The steps of the carnival do not differ much between provinces, but rather the clothing of the dancers. This allows each town or neighborhood to be identified in the competitions. In addition to dancing in the carnival, you can visit the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa on every 15th of August, the city’s anniversary, to witness it.
Dance 5
Carnaval de Lamas
The Carnival de Lamas is a popular dance from the Peruvian Amazon. This festive dance is full of energy and is usually performed in groups who walk the streets of the town, typically accompanied by a live band.
Dance 6
Carnaval Negro
Dance created by the Peru Negro group, which portrays the playful chaos and hubbub of the carnival celebrations through dance.
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