Hundreds of people gathered at the Ministry of Culture’s esplanade on March 23 for a cajón performance against racism, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The event brought together well-known cajón masters and citizens to raise their voices through music against racial discrimination in Peru.
The gathering was led by renowned percussionists Juan Medrano “Cotito”, Jorge “Koki” Leturia, Alma Morón Ballumbrosio, Paloma Pereira, Andrés Zevallos, and Alfredo Valiente. They guided this collective action that positioned the Peruvian cajón as a symbol of identity, memory, and resistance.
During the activity, Vice Minister of Interculturality Percy Barranzuela Bombilla addressed attendees about ongoing challenges. “There is no culture without respect. Racism exists, hurts and continues to be present in the lives of many Peruvians. Our country is diverse, and that diversity is not an ornament; it is our greatest wealth. From the Ministry of Culture we work so that each person lives their identity with pride and so that this diversity is respected every day. May this March 21 not be just a date but a permanent commitment to say without excuses: no to racism,” he said.
Cultural organizations such as Ensamble de Percusión de Miraflores, PerúKusión, Repercuté, Hey Hey Aquí Toy and La Casa del Cajón also participated in the event.
The Ministry has launched several initiatives to address racial discrimination nationwide. Among these efforts is the Multisectoral Strategy ‘Peru Without Racism’ through 2030 which coordinates 27 state entities in implementing measures aimed at ensuring access to rights without discrimination and promoting respect for cultural diversity.
Additionally, its free service “Alerta contra el Racismo” offers legal guidance via multiple channels including phone lines (1817), WhatsApp (976 079 336), web platforms, social media accounts from the Ministry itself as well as email support and both physical and virtual offices across regional cultural directorates. In 2025 alone this service handled over 200 reports related to ethnic-racial discrimination; more than 80 cases have already been addressed so far in 2026.
Further actions include campaigns like “We share passion. We share respect. No to racism!” which organizes workshops and activities in sports venues nationwide.
Looking ahead, on March 24 there will be a discussion titled “Let’s Talk About Racism” at the Ministry where new ambassadors for “Alerta contra el Racismo”—including Mayela Lloclla, Sofía Carrillo, José Miguel Vidal and Ronin Koshi—will be introduced.
