The culture in the Callejon de Huaylas . . .
. . . has for the most part been preserved through the generations and all of the customs and traditions are still practiced in our villages and cities. Even with the four decades of Spanish conquest, our Andean roots have prevailed throughout the years. All of the villages in the Callejon de Huaylas as well as Huaraz still maintain these festivals and customs and you can easily see examples full of color and vibrancy at all times of the year. Such festivals always include folk dances, full costume dances, and other Andean dances accompanied by the local musicians in our region: Roncadoras, Quenas (canes), flautas, zampoñas, with melodies of the Huayno, and the Pasacalle.
The following is our calender of the larger festivals of the year.
This is but a small part of all the festivals and traditions celebrated in the villages of the Callejon de Huaylas.
One of the greater attractions of Huaraz is the east access to all of the archeological sites scattered throughout the Callejon de Huaylas (search in the maps). Very close to Huaraz is the Pre-Inca ruin of Wilkawain. You can take public transport (combi) to the ruins and enjoy an afternoon with a guide or only exploring and enjoying the beauty of the ruins and the surrounding coutryside. The most famous ruins ar the Pre-Inca ruins of Chavin; full of mystery and legend. To best expore this ruin look for a tour guide in Huaraz (tour operators) and you can do a day trip/tour, or for an less tranquil experience you can take local transport and spend more time in Chavin and the local area.
If all of this is not enough there are a plethora of bars, peñas, and discos (Bars, Discos and Peñas) that have all classes of folk music, popular, and rock. There are also many restaurantes for enjoying exquisite local dishes as well as well prepared international food. You can also visit the two large markets, one inside and one in the streets (map) and you can also explore the local artisan markets in the center of Huaraz near the Museum and the Plaza de Armas. The generous city of Huaraz waits to invite you to enjoy all of the vibrant culture and customs that accompany the beautiful setting of the Callejon de Huaylas. Open your mind and heart and you will enjoy . . . . enjoy! | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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The popular dance 'los Shacshas' that takes place during the festival of 'Señor de la Soledad'.
Show of special dress clothes: Governor and the Cori Yunca (Inca Princess).
A variety of dancers with their traditional costumes on a festival Sunday.
Dance of the governers with traditional dress, Carhuaz. Photo: 
The ruins of Wilkawain. Photo Gladys Salzar
A devil, The traditional Carnaval de Huaraz.