The Ministry of Culture of Peru announced on May 6 that the dance, music, and song known as Qhashwa of Capachica have been declared National Cultural Heritage. This recognition was made official through Vice Ministerial Resolution No. 000128-2026-VMPCIC/MC and highlights a cultural expression from the province and department of Puno linked to the Andean agricultural calendar and courtship rituals among young people in Capachica communities.
The Qhashwa tradition is characterized by lively group performances involving pairs of young men and women from the same community. It begins in November during grazing periods, where single youths participate in singing and dancing as part of courtship rituals, continuing until carnival celebrations between February and March.
The dance features four stages: enamoramiento (courtship), where dancers flirt with movements; cambio (exchange), when hats are swapped as a sign of mutual interest; pujllay or carnival, with dancers waving multicolored wichi wichi ribbons symbolizing joy and fertility in tribute to Pachamama for good harvests; and cacharpari, which marks a return home with semicircular movements promising to dance again next year. The music is played by men using charangos chilladores—locally called q’uirqui or quirquincho—while women join in singing in both Quechua and Spanish to convey messages about love, courtship, or satire.
Costumes worn by performers stand out for their traditional elements, variety in design, and vibrant colors. Women wear juyunas, polleras skirts, and chuku shawls; men don black felt hats, embroidered vests, and bayeta trousers. Embroidery often depicts local natural motifs such as flowers or birds like hummingbirds or eagles.
With this declaration, the Ministry aims to safeguard ongoing cultural practices within Capachica district communities to strengthen high-Andean identity. The Ministry fosters social inclusion by protecting heritage while promoting diversity across Peru through decentralized facilities alongside its San Borja headquarters under ministerial leadership according to the official website.
