Regional Office for Culture in Latin America and the Caribbean

Portal of Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean

Peru - La Morenada del distrito de Santiago de Chongos Bajo. (La Morenada from the district of Santiago de Chongos Bajo)

The dance of La Morenada emerged during colonial times, with the first black slaves introduced for work in the haciendas of the Mantaro Valley. The dance is a sort of ritual fight, in which the participants whip each other, as a form of purification and penance for sins they have committed.

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The dance of the blacks of Chongos bajo is linked to two local religious celebrations, the festivity of Santiago Apóstol (St. James) and the celebration of the Virgin of El Carmen (second fortnight of July). The dances are organized through associations of dancers linked to the neighbourhoods of the area, such as the Asociación Cultural de Morenos Barrio Norte, established in year 2000, or the Association of Morenos Barrio Sur, founded in 2006.

 

The performances also take place in other towns of the department: the neighbourhood of Cajas Chico (Huancayo), Quichuay (Concepción) and Tragadero (Jauja).

Accessibility: 312 km to the east of Lima. Approx. 6 hours taking the highway.   
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La Morenada. La Morenada dancing in the main square of Chongos Bajo.. Photo: Juan Carlos La Serna
La Morenada. La Morenada dancing in the main square of Chongos Bajo.. Photo: Juan Carlos La Serna
La Morenada. Zumba (whiplash) used in the dance.. Photo: Juan Carlos La Serna

Other data of interest

Peru

Historical name

La Morenada del distrito de Santiago de Chongos Bajo. (La Morenada from the district of Santiago de Chongos Bajo)

Address

Distrito de Santiago León de Chongos Bajo, provincia de Chupaca, Región de Junín  (District of Santiago León de Chongos Bajo, Province of Chupaca, Region of Junín)  

Links to social networks

http://administrativos.cultura.gob.pe/intranet/dpcn/anexos/113_1.pdf?7004202

 

Classification

Intangible heritage expression

Function-Testimony

Access level

Free

Property kind

Community

Declarations

  • Intangible Cultural Heritage of Peru en 2012-10-16 RVM 056-2012-VMPCIC-MC