Every year from January 20th to the 25th, the enchanting sounds of saxophones, clarinets, harps, and violins echo through the pathways of Yauyos, Huaripampa, Yanamarca, and the 34 districts of the province of Jauja in JunÃn. This harmonious symphony marks the commencement of the Tunantada, a cultural celebration that transcends borders and embraces the rich heritage of Jauja.
The Tunantada Tradition in Jauja
The Tunantada in Jauja holds a special place as the most emblematic festivity in the region, dedicated to honoring the patrons of Saint Sebastian and Saint Fabian. This cultural tradition seamlessly blends religious fervor, identity, and collective memory.
The celebration is characterized by captivating melodies and diverse characters that mirror ancient social strata, showcasing the ability to satirize them. This genuine expression of local popular culture is a product of foreign and indigenous influences, merging Hispanic and Andean traditions.
Evolution of the Tunantada
Like any historical celebration, the Tunantada evolves dynamically, acquiring distinctive nuances in each district. The participation of new generations of dancers and musicians enriches the festival, ensuring its continuity and vibrancy. The dance steps during the Tunantada carry a satirical undertone, imitating the postures of Iberian and Andean people from colonial times, including their descendants. The Tunantada, thus, stands as a manifestation of mestizaje, celebrating the cultural amalgamation that defines Peru.
In 2011, the Tunantada earned its recognition as the Cultural Heritage of the Nation, a testament to its diversity and profound connection to the social fabric of the central regions of Peru. This acknowledgment highlights the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions contributing to the nation’s rich tapestry.
Tunantada, at its core, signifies protest, parody, and satire. Executed as a group dance in quadrilles, participants showcase elegance, grace, and gallantry while enjoying freedom and maintaining order to avoid harm.
Each character dons a unique costume, complete with masks and masks, and creatively executes their steps with a distinct style, all synchronized to a single melody.
The Tunantada mobilizes a range of emotions—joy, pleasure, nostalgia, melancholy, and sadness—while embodying knowledge and values. Notably, it transcends economic differences, fostering a sense of unity among participants.
The Festival
The Tunantada Festival is one of the most spectacular and massive events in the Mantaro Valley, drawing thousands of national and international tourists annually. This year’s edition, estimated to attract at least 25,000 visitors, showcases the continued allure and significance of the Tunantada.
Jauja, the heart of the festivities, is abuzz with preparations for the grand celebration. Enthusiasts and the public eagerly anticipate a week of festivals across the 34 districts of the province. Social media is abuzz with individuals gearing up to travel to the central part of the country to experience the Tunantada Festival and explore the captivating tourist attractions of Jauja and its surroundings.
While reveling in the Tunantada Festival, tourists have the opportunity to explore the enchanting tourist attractions of Jauja, including the scenic Laguna de Paca and its viewpoint, the breathtaking Cañón de Shucto, the rejuvenating Baños de Huiscapuquio, and the historic Convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa.
As the Tunantada Festival unfolds, the vibrancy, color, and cultural richness of the Mantaro Valley come to life. From its historical roots to the dynamic present-day celebrations, the Tunantada symbolizes Peru’s cultural diversity and heritage. This grand festival not only entertains and captivates but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition in the heart of Peru.
