Peru

Culture and traditions in Peru

Traditions and customs of Peru are influenced by an ethnic diversity and different stages.

In Cuzco visitors can observe the architecture of its buildings, which is a combination of European styles with indigenous influences. One of the most important cities for early colonial period is Cuzco, with its cathedral and the church of Santa Clara. This place is of high architectural interest in Peru.

Lima, the capital of Peru, is also the center of cultural events of the country. In Lima are located five important universities and main museums. The museum "Museo de la Cultura Peruana" (Museum of the Peruvian Culture) presents a collection of ethnological objects of Peru. "Museo de la Nación" (Museum of the Nation) is one of the major museums presenting Peruvian history, besides the "Museo Nacional de Arqueología" (National Museum of Archaeology) with objects of the Peruvian history. A large offer of cultural events, theater representations, music concerts and literature events can be found also in Lima.

Being the empire of the Inca civilization it is not a surprise to find in arts and crafts influences of this civilization combined with Spanish influences.

Music plays an important role in the cultural life of Peruvians with sounds of the Andean music and also Spanish influences. A traditional and important element is the "Zampoña", a wind instrument used mainly by Anean musicians.

Traditional dances are the Wayno and the Kashua. The Wayno is danced in couples and in closed spaces, meanwhile the Kashua is traditionally danced in open spaces and in groups.