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Culture & Traditions

Quechua Travel Words: Useful words for a great Peru experience

by giardinotoursperu April 21, 2024

written by giardinotoursperu

When you travel to Peru for the first time, you will immediately realize that our country has a rich and admirable indigenous heritage. This makes Peru a beautiful and diverse destination.

For travellers who want to learn more and connect with indigenous Andean communities and their culture, it is a great help to know a little bit of the Quechua language. If you greet someone in quechua during your trip, no doubt the answer will be smiles among the people you visit and a more pleasant feeling of “welcome”.

The Quechua language called „Runasimi“ in Quechua means: runa ‘people’ + simi ‘speech,’ is a family of some 45 closely-related languages spoken in the Andean region of South America by close to 8 million people.

“If Latin is said to be the language of the angels, then Quechua is the language for expressing the subtleties of existence on Earth. That is why it is still alive.”

– Demetrio Túpac Yupanqui (New York Times- 2008 – Armed With a Pen, and Ready to Save the Incas’ Mother Tongue)

Beautiful words in Quechua!

Quechua is a official language in Peru, along with Spanish and Aymara. In rural areas, it is used for everyday communication in informal contexts. Since most Native speakers of Quechua are illiterate in their native language, it remains largely an oral language. In formal contexts, such as government, administration, commerce, education, and the media, Spanish is used. The only cultural domain where Quechua is used extensively is traditional Andean music.

„One example of this important momentum is the 2015 adoption of Indigenous Andean principles in Quechua, by the United Nations General Assembly: The principles of Ama Sua (“you shall not steal”), Ama llulla (“you shall not lie”) and Ama Quella (“you shall not be lazy”) were distinguished by the international body. – Penn Arts & Sciences / United Nations Secretary-General.

“Quechua is such a beautiful language,” said Ms. Ambía, a retired teacher and social worker. “I want to help preserve it. I want for people to feel proud of our heritage, to feel proud about our culture.” – Elva Ambía (The Wall Street journal – 2014 – Reviving a Fading Language Called Quechua )

Some useful words in Quechua for those who travel to Peru

If you find yourself in the jungle, or in the central or southern part of the Andes in Peru, you will find that the language varies, but in general with these words you will have a good chabnce of comunication. Remember that Quechua and Spanish have somewhat similar phonetics (ex.: the double /l/ or “ll” sound like an English /y/).

If you meet somebody fort he First time:

Rimaykullayki: It is the most widespread form of greeting, this amounts to: good morning, good afternoon and good night of Spanish. It literally means “I speak to you politely.”

Chaskillaykim: It literally means “I answer the greeting.”

If you meet a friend or you already know the person:

Imaynallam?: How are you?

Allinllanchu: Are you ok?

Allinllam: I’m well, thank you.

Somaq mihuna: That means: „This is amazing food“ If somebody hears you say this at their restaurant or food stand, they will be very happy.

Sulpayki: Thank you (The most important Word in the world!)

Tinkunanchiskama: I will see you later, farewell)

Paqarin kama: See you tomorrow

Tupananchikama: Goodbye in general.

Allin P’unchay: Good morning

Allin Sukha: Good afternoon

Allin Tuta: Good night

Did You Know?

These words came into English from Quechua via Spanish:

coca: kuca, the native name of the plant
condor: kuntur, the native name for the bird
guano: huanu ‘dung’
jerky: ch’arki ‘dried flesh’
llama: llama, the native name of the animal (with Spanish spelling)
puma: puma, native name of the animal
vicuña: wikuna, the native name of the animal

Are you starting planning a journey to Peru? Contact our team of expert travel advisors and lets together organize your perfect trip. 🙂

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April 21, 2024 0 comments

FOOD in Arequipa: 8 delicious Dishes that Are Worth a Trip to Arequipa, Peru

by giardinotoursperu July 7, 2021

written by giardinotoursperu

FOOD in Arequipa: 8 delicious Dishes that Are Worth a Trip to Arequipa, Peru

In January 2015 the UNESCO recognized Arequipa city as one of the 66 World’s creative cities in gastronomy.

The certificate was delivered by the Unesco representative in Peru, Ernesto Fernández, who highlighted that Arequipa city is one of the 66 cities in the world that were declared creative cities in gastronomy.

According to the Arequipa Picantera Society (Picanteria is the name of traditional restaurants in Arequipa), the number of dishes that this region offers would reach about 194 (40 entrees, 22 types of soups, 70 stews and 62 desserts and drinks). For this reason, this city has earned a deserved culinary fame, both among locals and travelers.
Without a doubt, Arequipa’s cuisine has in the “Picanterías” the sanctuaries of knowledge and flavor, which treasure centuries of tradition, creativity and innovation because they are the authentic guarantors of the future of this emblematic Peruvian regional cuisine.
If you are planning to visit Arequipa and you don’t want to miss dishes that will delight your palate, we show you this list with some of our typical dishes. – Enjoy them!

1.- El Rocoto Relleno (The stuffed Rocoto).

One of the most emblematic dishes of Arequipa is “Rocoto relleno”

This is a type of stuffed pepper. But unlike other recipes that are based on sweet peppers, this dish uses ROCOTO, a red pepper that is ten times hotter than the famous jalapeño.

These rocotos are so spicy that to reduce the itchiness they are cooked in water and vinegar, however this does not take away totally the spicy flavor that also contains a first-class taste and aroma.

The filling is based on a mixture of meat, butter, cream and nuts. It is also often topped with a slice of melted cheese. The most typical thing is that it is accompanied by a piece of potato cake (Pastel de papa).

2.- El “Americano” (The American)

The “American” is a very traditional dish in Arequipa and although currently it is presented in many forms and combinations in the traditional Picanterías, the original recipe presents a conjunction of 4 hot spices: a portion of rice, meat stew, pumpkin chili pepper, brambles of legs and a torreja, served in a single plate one after another.

The delicious Arequipeño meat stew is one of the most common dishes and can be prepared from various types of meat, but the one served in the “americano dish” is beef, onion, carrot, potatoes and red chili, accompanied with white rice.

The stew can also be replaced by the locro (a spicy made with mash potatoes). Nowadays the American is also served with a stuffed hot pepper or a noodle cake.

3.- Chupe de Camarones (Shrimp great soup).

This soup prepared with shrimp is a very powerful dish and with a great taste.

It is based on Shrimp accompanied by onion, tomato, beans, garlic. Yellow potatoes, corn, boiled eggs, rice, cheese, and milk are added to the soup.

This dish is typical throughout the coastal area of Peru; However, the Arequipeño Chupe de camarones is simply the king of all of them.

4.- Soltero de Queso (Chees fresh salad)

This entrée is used also as a garnish.

This salad is based in fresh cheese, hot peppers, onion, olives, beans and tomato. The most common is to find this typical dish seasoned with vinegar, parsley, salt and pepper.

This “salad” is a popular main dish for dinners in Arequipa and sometimes it is accompanied by boiled potato slices.

5.- Adobo Arequipeño

Adobo arequipeño, also known as adobo de chancho, is a traditional dish from Arequipa.

Normally it is tha Sunday brunch dish at Arequipa’s local picanterías. Amazing taste and very popular among the locals and visitors.

How maybe you already know, the term “adobo” is derived from the Spanish word adobar, meaning marinade and you will find many adobos around the world. But Arequipa’s adobo is quite different from the other adobos in the world.

The arequipeño dish is a soupy pork stew, slow-simmered with chicha de jora, spicy rocoto pepper, aji panca, garlic, onions, oregano, cumin, and other herbs and spices. It is made in a clay pot to take advantage of all its flavor and It is cooked overnight.

Currently in the Cayma district it is possible to enjoy this dish every day in its famous picanterías (typical food establishments) Don’t forget to ask also for your “pan de tres puntas” (Bread with 3 cornes).

6.- Ocopa Arequipeña – Spicy traditional sauce

Ocopa Arequipena is a simple dish consisting of cooked and sliced potatoes covered in a Ocopa sauce.

Yes! IT IS THE SAUCE that gives it that special touch to this dish, since it is made from yellow hot pepper, onions, garlic, huacatay (a typical local herb), roasted peanuts, walnuts, cheese and breadcrumbs.

Bu, what make the big different to the taste?

– It is the Huacatay (called black mint) is an endemic herb from Peru, it belongs to the mint family, I could say that it has a touch of bitterness like mint, but it has simply a unique flavor and aroma.

🙂 Boiled eggs, whole olives and lettuce leaves can be added to the unique “Ocopa arequipeña”.

7.- El Escribano – “The writer or Notary”

“El Escribano” is considered the ancestor of many dishes in Arequipa and its name comes from the tradition of the type of diners.

It is said that the origin of this dish dates back to colonial times. The judges, lawyers and especially the “Escribano (or writer)”, who exercised the functions of our current Notaries, went to the picanterías to eat something very quickly before the next session or at the end of their daily workday.

Sometimes they arrive to early or to late and did not always find food ready, so the spicy dishes would put on the table with a little of what was in all typical Arequipa cuisine; potatoes, tomatoes and of course the spicy rocoto, making sure that is very spicy so the diners become thirsty and consumed a lot of chicha (Traditional drink), while the main meal arrived.

They say that some of the diners came up with the idea of mixing everything they had on hand and made their version of salad and so, this improvised dish, became part of the menu in the picanterías. As most of the diners were Notaries, they baptized it with that name, although it was also served to other members of the legal service and later to the general public.

8.- La Chicha de Guiñapo (Traditional drink)

As you’re traveling in Peru and visit traditional restaurants you may encounter a interesting drink called “Chicha de Jora”. This beverage is dating back thousands of years. Chicha is a timeless and iconic drink that every visitor to Peru should taste at least once.

La chicha de Jora is made similarly to other types of beer: by germinating corn, extracting malt sugars, boiling the wort, and then fermenting.

BUT…. In Arequipa you will find another version of the Chicha and this is the “Chica de Guiñapo”.

Chicha de guiñapo is the signature variety of Arequipa and uses a special type of maize (Purple) which only grows in that region. It is fermented for a couple of days, which gives it a low alcohol content of around 2-3%.

The taste is light and sweet, and it so perfect to any of of the spicy food of the unique Arequipa gastronomy.

And do you get curious? We got to open your appetite?

Arequipa is a destination that will fill you with surprises and beautiful experiences, not only not only for its incredible geographical areas, parks and culture heritage, but will also be a feast for the good palate.

visit Arequipa in peru

We are waiting for you!

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Embroidery in the Colca Valley a Cultural Heritage of the Nation

by giardinotoursperu June 25, 2021

written by giardinotoursperu

“On August 17th, 2018, was published on the newspaper “El Peruano” the knowledge and practices associated with embroidery in the Colca Valley a Cultural Heritage of the Nation”

“The recognition was granted for its important technical richness, historical, traditional and artistic value of the iconographic and symbolic contents that they communicate, which are strongly rooted in the Collagua and Cabana worldview, as part of a process of empowering identity of the culture of the population of the Colca valley. ” – Andina 2018

If you are going to visit the Colca canyon, you will be surprised not only by the affection, the spectacular views of the valley, the depths of one of the deepest canyons in the world, the flight of the condor, the joy and gastronomy of its people, but in addition, the parade of colors of their crafts, especially that of their traditional costumes, which represent the identity, love, art and pride of the region.

Undoubtedly it can be affirmed that the craftsmanship of the Colca valley is extraordinary, due to the high development achieved, but very particularly that development is appreciated in its textile art of embroidery.

Through folklore, the Colca people express their culture through symbolic representations related to ecology, their cultural, social, geographical and historical environment and, therefore, are important elements of cultural identity and / or ethnic heritage.

We will find skirts, shirts, hats, blankets, sweaters, chullos (hats), gloves, stockings, scarves, ponchos and other beautifully embroidered fabrics which all reflect the uses and customs of the men and women of Colca valley and their close relationship with nature.

This art also reflects the spirituality of the local people, where the iconography and polychrome, with colorful works, shows the richness and art of the Andean cosmo-vision.

The technique for embroidery work is called the “maquinasca” (sewing machine), which is a widely known technique in the southern Andean region. The artists take the machine and begin to embroider hearts, chamomile and cantuta flowers, sparrows, etc.

In addition, and according to the client’s requirements, other representative products of the region such as “trout” can be added to the work. Sometimes, to give it a more elegant touch, the artists complement their work with industrial fabrics, gold and silver silks and ornaments of different colors.

But beyond the craft itself, as a result of a work, at the center of all this is the human factor, the craftsman, who with their artistic hands turns every product into unique pieces in which they express their creativity and imagination but supported by the realities of their daily and ancestral life.

And this is the most prominent factor in the inevitable association of tourism with the crafts of the destinations that we visit.

All type of Crafts offers to the travelers the opportunity to take home “the stories”. Each Souvenir is more than a thing, is the “memory” that transform itself to a open book, that talk to us with all the symbols through which the territories visited murmur magical stories to travelers and their environment.

Today’s traveler not only wants to see places but also to experience them, feel that they are part of their life for a moment, living the culture, their artisans and their manifestations.

The magnificent Colca region has many reasons for you to visit it, but without a doubt, it is also the place that allows you to bend time, find calm and awaken in each one of us the passion for life details.

Write down the “Colca canyon” among your great travel destinations, here you will find thousands of reasons to live the legend! And consider to spend more then one night to enjoy experiences full of emotions, respect and learning.

We are waiting for you!

Giardino Blog

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The interdimensional gate Aramu Muru. Fascination & mystery.

by giardinotoursperu June 21, 2021

written by giardinotoursperu

“A portal, that according to a legend allowed the Inca’s priests to be transported to different places of the Inca Empire and even to any place of the world” The interdimensional gate Aramu Muru also known as: Hayu Marca means: “City of spirits or” Willka Uta: “Place of the sun or gate of the gods.”

Location:

“La Puerta” (The door) is located 35 kilometers from the city of Puno (Lake Titicaca area), in south area of the district of Ilave in the province of Collao and 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Puno city. This enigmatic place It is located also near a fascinating stone forest and the terrain is cold and quite dry.

The portal has the shape of a square with 7 meters on each side and it is carved in a unique rock. So far no in-depth archaeological study has been conducted that can reveal the date when the first settlers began to consider this door “a sacred place”.

Data:

For many, Aramu Muru door is a place where a lot of energy is concentrated, our body and soul are immediately nourished, also you get a feeling of to be in a safe place, where the body feels free and all the pressures of that daily life go away. A place where you encounter peace. For many people this is a good place to meditate on our daily and spiritual lives. To find the answers to many questions and return home with more hope and energy.

But lets us to talk a bit more about the legends of the area, that will lead us to understand why it is considered a mystical and special place.

According to story-telling and legends, when the Spanish arrived in the Inca empire, there was a priest named Aramu Muro, who belonged to the monastery of the 7 rays and was responsible for the initiation ceremony and worship of the God; The “Inti” (the Sun).

Legends said that Aramu Muru was the one who took the golden solar disk kept in Koricancha tempel (Sun tempel in Cusco) and fled from the Spanish conquers to some place save place in the Juli Province (Lake Titicaca). Then, he reached the sacred door and placed the Sun disk on the door, using it as a door key, and opened the door. After that, he cross the portal and disappeared behind it.

Nowadays; locals carry out rituals of all kinds at the door of Aramu Muru, to ask for peace, to say thank you to the Gods or ask for hope.

Also the door is a very attractive spot for many esoteric groups, that visit the place hoping that maybe the door will be opened, and they have a chance to see a bit to the world of the Gods.

“The legend says that this door opens only for those people who are spiritually ready to connect to the spirit of Lake Titicaca.”

But without doubt, Aramu Muru is a place surrounded by mystery, where people comment that they have had sightings of strange lights and claim to have had visions of stars or columns of fire, or to have heard sounds and have even felt the presence of a tunnel behind the door.

Interesting is also that just on the other side of the mountain, Archeologist have found the remains of what seems to be a tunnel that connected the cities of Tiahuanaco (Bolivia) and Cusco city. They think that this tunnel was used by the Incas to move around the areas. According to Inca traditions and legends, this tunnel was built before the Inca empire arrive in the area, and only was used by the Incas.

The question is… if the Incas were not the builders of this tunnel, then who were they?

There are many interesting and fascinating stories and legends that surround the mystical world of ancient Peru, such as the legend of Lake Titicaca, from where Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo (Founders of the Inca empire) emerged and in which “La isla de la Luna” (Moon island) is located, in this island you will find similar doors. Or the ceremonial center of “Ñaupa Iglesia” in Cusco city, in the province of Urubamba, where you can also find a similar wall or door and many rituals take place.

Certainly many questions that we cannot answer yet.

When to visit Aramu Muru?

The best time to visit Aramu Muru is in August because the earth is said to be more willing to accept offerings. But the truth is that July and August are the months where most people visit it to explore, make same hiking, rituals etc.

So, what do you think? Do you dare to visit places enclosed with so much mystery?

Whatever the reason is that you visit Aramu Muru, you will certainly be fascinated, for the natural beauty that surrounds Lake Titicaca, the varied geography, the legends or the spiritual energy that undoubtedly recharges us in this beautiful area of Peru.

We are ready to take you on this adventure

And you?

We will wait for you!!!

GIARDINO BLOG

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Other links:

Protecting Our Planet Starts with You – 9 Things You Can Do

Quechua Travel Words: Useful words for a great Peru experience

Tour Arequipa: The Cathedral & 5 curious facts that you should know

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June 21, 2021 0 comments

Culture & Traditions

Peru 2 love’s story tellings and myths

by giardinotoursperu February 12, 2021

written by giardinotoursperu

Love always contains a great mystery, because for each person, people and time love has been interpreted and manifested in different forms.

But today we are going to tell you about 2 romantic peruvian love’s story tellings related to ancient Peruvian traditions. These are popular stories in which fantastic or supernatural events are related, as if they were real events. Many of them are created by the community and are transmitted from parents to children, from generation to generation, that is why they are part of our culture and to the memory of Peruvians and are usually related to the beliefs and folklore of a certain region in Peru.

Love’s story tellings of Huascarán and Huandoy mountains.

This romantic love’s story telling takes place in time of the Inca Empire, when the people of Cusco expanded their dominions through the Callejón de Huaylas. In this region (located in Ancash) there are more than 20 snow-capped peaks that exceed 6000 m.a.s.l. and the highest mountain in Peru and the intertropical zone is the Huascarán.
The legend said that there was a laborious and peaceful tribe in “Callejon de Huaylas” where one day a very badly wounded soldier arrived with a message to the Great chief. The man informed that some warriors from Cusco had sacked his town without mercy and that they were heading towards the village.
Looking at the situation the great chief ordered his warriors to go in search of the leader of the Cusco army, proposing a peaceful negotiation. And so it happened. Days later, the soldiers returned to the tribe with a Cusqueño warrior “Huáscar”, the most recognized warrior of the invading tribe of Cusco.

Shortly afterwards, someday the strong Huáscar met on his path a beautiful young woman with long black hair, big eyes and a beautiful smile; she was the daughter of the great chief of the tribe; her name was Huandy.

As in every romantic story, the warrior Huascar and the beautiful girl fell in love, but this was a “forbidden” love. So the lovers decided to run away together.

Furious for the offense realized by Huascar and his daughter, the Great Chief ordered their capture. Once in prison, the great Chief humiliated them in public and then tied them to wooden logs, placed in such a way that they could see each other as they died.

The warrior Huascar hoped that his people (the Incas) would arrive and rescue them. However, when the Cusco army arrived, they supported the decision of the Great chief.
Without hope and prisoner of great impotence, Huascar swore revenge on all of them and thus both lovers began to cry full of pain. The legend said that both lovers cried until they were completely dry. From the tears of Princess Huandy, Lake Chinancocha was formed, also known as “the female lagoon” and from the tears of Huáscar, Lake Orcococha, also known as “the male lagoon”. (Also known as Lagunas Llanganuco)
The god “Inti” (the Sun) observing what happened and in pain also, sent a lot of rain, thunder, lightning and hailstorm to all the area. The legend said that it was so much and for so long time that the bodies of the lovers were covered, thus forming the snow-covered mountain Huascarán (for Huáscar) and the snow-covered mountain Huandoy (for Huandy) .

This love’s story tellings said specially among the local people of the Callejón de Huaylas, that in 100 or 200 years the snow-capped mountains will remain without snow and Huáscar and Huandy will resurrect and meet again to live their love forever. (Cardenas, 2020)

Love’s story tellings of the Huacachina oasis – Ica

In the middle of the coastal desert of the Pacific Ocean, in the Ica region, there is a beautiful oasis “La Huacachina”. A Oasis of green waters and around which there is abundant vegetation composed of palm trees, eucalyptus and huarangos, the same that are used for migrant birds that usually pass through This region. That makes it one of the most beautiful and striking tourist spots in Peru, however, its beauty also contains a myth related to unconditional and infinite love.
Huacachina,means the “crying woman” in the Quechua language. The legend said that in this lagoon an Inca princess named Huacca China was born (Her name means “the one who makes people cry.”).

They said that the princess fell in love with a young warrior of the empire who died shortly after they met. It is said that when the princess was informed of the tragedy, she went to the place where they had met for the first and c and cried intensely; then, while crying, she looked through her hand mirror and saw young man who was looking at her; the young man tried to get closer to her, but she got scare and began to run through the desert.

According to legend, her clothes shaped the dunes that surround the oasis and the mirror got broken, giving shape to the lagoon.

After that the princess enters the lagoon and becomes a mermaid and the tradition tells that this mermaid appears every night on full moon to sing old songs to her lover.

Apart for knowing now these love’s story tellings, for sure now when you travel to Huaraz (Ancash) or to the Huacachina Oasis, you will look at every detail with different eyes …

And perhaps through the eyes of those “lovers”.

GIARDINO TEAM

@GiardinoToursperu

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February 12, 2021 0 comments

Travel Tips Culture & Traditions

Colca Sour: An unique Cactus cocktail

by giardinotoursperu February 11, 2021

written by giardinotoursperu

Do you know that an enjoyable drink called “Colca Sour” is the Colca Canyon version of the Pisco Sour? Yes right! ? And the big difference is that instead of lime juice the locals use the Sancayo juice.

Sancayo; also called sanky, is “the forgotten fruit of the Incas.” It is an incredibly sour local cactus fruit that was used by the Incas as a hunger suppressant, replenisher, and medicinal aid to reduce problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract.

But today the “colca sour” has become the official drink of Caylloma province! You will have the opportunity to enjoy it on the second day of our excursion to the Colca valley.

Properties make the “Sancayo Cactus (sanky) attractive for every person, especially as its vitamin C levels are 10 times that of oranges.

Preparation of Colca Sour

If you want to know or learn how to prepare this unique drink “Colca Sour”; then you need to learn an easy “formula”: 1+1+3 … That means:

1 ounce fresh squeezed Sancayo juice.
1 ounce simple syrup
3 ounces pisco.

Add also:

1 egg white
Ice cubes

Mix up the pisco, syrup, sancoya juice and egg white.
Add ice and shake well.

An then.…. SALUD!

Description of fruit

Sanky cactus fruit is small to medium in size, averaging 10-12 centimeters in diameter, and is round to oval in shape. The rind is firm, green with some brown markings, and smooth at the surface with many thin, long spines that extend around the entire fruit. Underneath the rind, the juicy pulp is clear to white and contains many small black seeds. Sanky cactus fruit has a mucilaginous, crunchy texture and contains a low amount of sugar creating an acidic, tart, and slightly sour taste.

Seasons/Availability

Sanky cactus fruit is available in the summer through fall.

Current Facts

Sanky cactus fruit, botanically classified as Corryocactus brevistylus, grows on a fast-growing shrub with long stems that can reach over six meters in height and belongs to the Cactaceae family. Also known as Zanki, Quitahambre, Sankay, Lemon cactus fruit, and Guacalla, Sanky cactus fruit grows on the wild Sancayo cactus and can be found along the rocky mountain slopes of the Andes in Peru and Bolivia. Once used by the Incas, Sanky cactus fruit is an ancient fruit that is still consumed today in South America and is favored for fresh eating.

Todays is getting popular as official drink of the Colca valley as “Colca Sour”.

Nutritional Value

Sanky cactus fruit contains vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and some electrolytes.

We keep you curious… 🙂

Life is soooo interesting!

Giardino Team!

@GiardinoToursperu

#ItravelwithGiardino #OneTripManyExperiences

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February 11, 2021 0 comments

Culture & Traditions Peru Great Destinations

Arequipa Tour: 2 surprising curiosities about this destination!

by giardinotoursperu February 10, 2021

written by giardinotoursperu

The famous “White City” of Arequipa enjoys Its own currency and special passport.

If you travel to Perú and you will visit the white city of Arequipa; you have to know that in “few cities of the world” there are people that love so much their land as the “Arequipeños”.

First you should know that those born in Arequipa are called “Characatos” and here we explain you why.

Characato is the name of one of the most popular and traditional districts of the city and is the origin of many customs and cultural expressions typical of the city. In Arequipa, it is considered that a “Characato” is a very hardworking person, who is always in a good mood and loyal to his traditions. Also this is a person that raises its voice to greet its friends and family or to welcome visitors and always offering, as an act of friendship, a glass of good Chicha (Typical Drink made of fermented corn).

Moreover, the characato is a person proud to have been born at the foot of not one, but three volcanoes: the Misti, the Chachani and the Pichu Pichu. “This is the reason why each characato (Arequipeño) is unique and special in the world” Then, you shouldn’t be surprised that the people born in Arequipa say that they don’t get angry, they, erupt as a volcano because in their veins flow “volcanic blood”

Another interesting detail is that the “Characato” is mainly manifested in the character of the “loncco”, a person that lives and work in the countryside of the city and speaks with a mixture of quechuismos (Quechua is the name of the Inca’s language) and barbarisms, which makes him a unique character in every sense.

Initially the expression “loncco” was used to point that work tools that had lost the edge of their edges. This word “Loncco” also began to be used to point out people who did not work well or were not so talented to work in the field. With the time that word “Loncco” became popular in Arequipa to point to the “chacarero” (Man who works in the field) a rude and tough man who lives in the countryside; a hardworking person that always speaks loudly.

Here some typical expressions of a “Loncco”

Alalau: Expression that means that it is very cold.
Acacau: when something burns or is very hot.
Atatau: Feeling that something produces disgust.
Calincha: A girl who behaves like a boy.
Chascoso(a): Someone who hasn’t combed his/her hair.

Seeing all these points doesn’t surprise too that Arequipa is the only city in Peru that has its own currency “the Golden Characato” and its own “Passport”. These two acts have no legal value in Peru but certainly allow us to understand the originality of the Arequipeños and this spirit to feel that they are unique.

The passport of the “Independent Republic of Arequipa” is one of the most requested souvenirs by national and international tourists and the “Characato de oro” permit us to enjoy a souvenir of a “currency” that “never devalues”.

The Arequipa Passport:

The Passport: The passport of the “Independent Republic of Arequipa” originated during the war Perú– Chile. At the time that Lima was occupied by the invading army, Arequipa city was declared capital of the Republic and immediately the passport was established as a security measure. But today the passport is a document without any legal value and is a souvenir where you can read inside of its pages funny and typical Arequipeño phrases. You can also custo

The “Characato de Oro”:

Details of the “golden characato”: The Golden Characato is a currency typical from Arequipa and was born as a sign of gratitude to all its visitors. It is printed with the figure of a “loncco” (Now you know what means “loncco”) and the Misti volcano. The “Golden Characato is so important for the locals that the first day that open to the market; the “Characatos” were sold out.
mize it by typing your name and personal data. They have become so famous and popular that it is already part of the local culture.

As you see; Arequipa is not only a must-see destination in Perú for its beautiful colonial architecture, its incredible landscapes and its exquisite gastronomy; it offers an endless number of cultural traditions and the incomparable human warmth and hospitality of the characatos!

Ready to visit Arequipa?

We are waiting for you…. 🙂

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February 10, 2021 0 comments

Culture & Traditions

Peruvian Carnivals: Magic, culture & celebration

by giardinotoursperu February 8, 2021

written by giardinotoursperu

The month of February hosts a magic “party and joy” that is enjoyed not only in Peru, but in many countries of the world. Yes; you got it right! We are talking about “Carnival”; the party in which one can be, for a short period of time, whatever he wants to be.

Carnivals in Perú.

As you can imagine, this festival arrived in Peru with the Spanish people and has two very characteristic connotations, the first one is that of a “folk festival” and the other one is “games with water and colors.” In most cases both are combined in a single celebration that begins in February and continues throughout the whole month.

Especially in Spanish colonial times, The Carnival was used for satire and parody. Authorities and slaves alike were represented with costumes and masks. Rosa María Acosta, author of “Urban Colonial Festivities (Lima-Cuzco-Potosí)”, has an interesting note; that the Carnivals also served to resolve pending disputes: “It was very common to see, the day after the carnivals, Spaniards and Indians lying together drunk on the ground,” she says.

This party was not limited to Spaniards and indigenous Peruvians; “The carnival brought from Spain was quickly vindicated by the popular classes, and it was the black people; who were the majority slaves in Lima at the end of the 18th century – who gave a festive traits with their dances and masks ”, wrote the anthropologist Prof. Vilcapoma.

El Diablo (The Devil)

Foto: @mariano_fusero

A figure that stands out in Peruvian carnivals is the figure of the “Devil”. Looking at the processes and socio-cultural manifestations of the encounter of colonizers and indigenous people, it can be deduced how the image of the devil is simply a “collective composition” of the inhabitants of the New World, indigenous, black slaves and Spanish. Another important fact is that it highlights the relationship between “idol and image” in the construction of new cultures in the new world, because this generated other “types of images”, fused images that at the same time re-structured the cosmo-vision, the worldview of both worlds.

There is a well-known song in Peru by the musical group “los morochucos” that expresses precisely this custom and is called “Son de los diablos (The Rhythm of the Devil)” with a text that says:

“venimos de los infiernos

no se vayan a asustar

Con nuestros rabos y cuernos

que son sólo pa´ bailar.

Con nuestros rabos y cuernos,

que son sólo pá bailar.

Son de los Diablos son

y aquí vamos a bailar;”.

“We come from hell

Do not be scared….

With our tails and horns

That are just for dancing.

With our tails and horns,

That are only for dancing.

In rhythm of the Devils are

And here we are going to dance”…

Carnivals in the Andes of Peru.

These festivities not only stayed in the capital, they were popular throughout the Peruvian territory, and definitely in the Andean areas of Peru highlights for its fusion with the spirituality of the Andean people. It can be said that this European custom has been merged with the traditional harvest festivals in Peru, known as Pukllay, which in Quechua means “games”. For José Carlos Vilcapoma, historian and anthropologist specialized in the Andean tradition, other names are: Chimaycha, Huayllacha, Capac Pucuy and Huaylas.

In fact, Vilcapoma recalls that the first reference is found in Francisco de Ávila’s manuscript, probably from 1598, where he mentions some dances called “huayllas”. In 1966, José María Arguedas, in the translation entitled “Gods and men of Huarochirí”, identifies these dances as the harvest festivities that are celebrated in the Mantaro Valley.

Among the most representative carnivals in Peru we have:

Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria in Puno city (Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria)

Image: @chambiperuska

This grandiose celebration takes place in the city of Puno -on the shores of Lake Titicaca- between February 1 and 14 of each year, with the second day of the month as its central date. Before the party, there is a period called “novenario”, in which the assistants dedicate themselves to decorating the temple of the Virgin, located in front of the Plaza de Pino. The celebration begins at 4 am on the first day of the month with the so-called “albas” or early morning.

Hundreds of people fill the main streets of the city to observe the numerous groups that parade in the middle of a great artistic setting and also to venerate the image of “Mamacha Candelaria”, patron saint of Puno, who goes out in procession.

The festival concludes with the farewell or Cacharpari, in which the Virgin, located at the door of the temple, greets the crowd and says goodbye to all people until the following New Year. In addition to the Great Parade and the processions, the people in this party enjoy the contests of native dances such as the Diablada, and dances with typical costumes that are celebrated during the following days.

Carnival in Arequipa City

Image: @_julia_shine_

To the rhythm of Andean music such as the huayno, the White City of Arequipa receives hundreds of people every year between February and March to celebrate its traditional carnival.

The festival begins in the Plaza de Armas with the appearance of the main character: Ño Carnavalón, king of the party who represents sarcasm and irony, and who takes the opportunity to ridicule at times the behavior of the people around him. At the end of the party, the burial of the also called “King Momo” takes place amidst music and traditional dances. Other activities that are part of Carnival party in Arequipa is the work at the Conservatory, in which renowned anthropologists share memories and chronicles about the history of Arequipa, as well as the awarding of the bet mask and the election of the Carnival Queen.

Carnival in Cusco city

Image: @geramagne

The Imperial City is also filled with party and joy with water, foam, flour and colors to the rhythm of folk music performed by various bands and orchestras. Likewise, the groups of dancers with their colorful coach and their hosts dressed in typical costumes of the region are appreciated.

The popular “Yunzas” are also part of the Cusco carnival; these are trees adorned with gifts and surprises that the locals plant in the center of the party and then push it down and distribute the presents. At night, people walk and get together at the “food fairs” to try the delicious and traditional dishes of the area such as Cuy chactado, Puchero and Frutillada (an ancestral drink of the region based on fruits).

Carnival in Cajamarca

Image: @sorayavaleria29

The city of Cajamarca is known as the Capital of the Peruvian Carnival. The city enjoy 2 weeks of dances between the months of February and March to the rhythm of the music and the colors of the comparsas. Among them, the troupe of King Momo or Ño Carnavalón stands out, who is received with honors to later be veiled and buried. This giant doll represents “goodbye to bad energy”, so people celebrate its passage with talcum powder and painting colors in faces.

It is one of the most anticipated, representative and joyful festivals in Peru, where the entire Cajamarca people participate with an agenda full of cultural, entertainment and competition activities. During the days of festivities there are competitions of couplets (sung verses), patrols and parades; we enjoy the the allegorical “Corso” (Parade) and a beauty contest is realized among the women of the five neighborhoods of the city in order to choose the Queen of the Carnival.

In conclusion; the Peruvian Carnivals are the reunion with the roots and with the community. It is usually celebrated in the month of February and is a good pretext for Peruvians to be able to thank for the common good and the favors granted, as well as a reason to show the world the best of art and dancing of each Peruvian region.

Very interesting to know is also, that this celebration is unique in each city of Perú and alternates processions, fairs, parades and luxury gastronomy, as a sample of the living heritage of Peruvian culture. It is the result of centuries of miscegenation between Hispanic, African and indigenous customs.

In addition; there is not a week, when Peruvians are more willing to celebrate their culture, through their multiple dances, gastronomy, games and colorful clothing as in “Los Carnavales”.

Ready to celebrate Carnival in Peru?

Let Peru be the experience of your life!

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Foto cabecera: Municipalidad provincial de Cajamarca

Source:

Ferrucci, F. (febrero de 2014). Historia del carnaval. (N. Martinez, Entrevistador)

Promperu: Carnavales más representativos.

joinnus. (30 de enero de 2018). Estos son-los-carnavales-que-no-te-puedes-perder-en-febrero.

BBVA: Carnavales en el Perú, de la sátira y la abundancia.

February 8, 2021 0 comments