The Ministry of Culture announced on March 20 a free collective cajón masterclass, “Voces y sonidos contra el racismo,” to be held on Saturday, March 21. The event is organized in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and aims to use music as a platform to oppose racism and celebrate cultural identity.
The initiative seeks to promote equality and respect among cultures by encouraging public participation through music. The activity is open to everyone, regardless of musical experience, and will feature prominent musicians such as Juan Medrano “Cotito,” recognized as a Meritorious Personality of Culture; Jorge “Koki” Leturia, known for his versatility with the instrument; and Alma Morón Ballumbrosio, a representative of the new generation from the Ballumbrosio family.
Gustavo Oré, director of the Directorate of Cultural Diversity and the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at the Ministry of Culture, said: “Con esta iniciativa buscamos movilizar a la ciudadanía y mostrar que la lucha contra el racismo también se expresa desde la cultura y el encuentro colectivo.”
The Peruvian cajón is described as an emblematic instrument representing Afro-Peruvian intangible cultural heritage. Since the nineteenth century, it has accompanied various musical genres such as marinera, tondero, festejo, vals criollo, and polka. In recent decades, its influence has expanded internationally into contemporary fusion genres like flamenco in Spain.
The event will take place at 4:00 p.m. on the esplanade outside the Ministry of Culture building at Avenida Javier Prado Este N.º 2465 in San Borja. Participants are encouraged to bring their own cajóns. This masterclass also marks the first stop in this year’s International Festival of the Peruvian Cajón scheduled for August 2 with support from the Ministry.
