Why is the Wititi dance considered a World Heritage?

The Wititi is also vital for preserving cultural traditions, including the vibrant embroidered designs on the costumes and hats worn by its dancers.

The Wititi dance is an artistic expression that originates from the Colca Valley in the Arequipa region of Peru. Its significance goes beyond folklore, as it embodies a cultural identity that has been preserved through the centuries.

As if that were not enough, in 2015 the popular Wititi dance was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to its historical, social, and symbolic significance. As one of the most complex and widespread cultural expressions in the Colca Valley, we will now explore the depth of this Andean tradition.

LOVE COURTSHIP

The Wititi dance is performed by couples during the major religious festivals of the rainy season. It carries ritual significance closely tied to the agricultural cycle and symbolizes the courtship between a young couple in love.

The protagonist in the dance is the "wititi," a man whose attire consists of two overlapping female skirts. He also wears a shirt, a sling, and a "montera" (a traditional hat). The use of female garments is thought to be a strategy that allowed men to approach and court women without being immediately recognized.

Another version suggests that the use of the skirt was also a defensive tactic against enemy attacks, making the Wititi dance a symbol of the strength and brave temperament of the men.

CABANA AND COLLAGUA

The Wititi dance is a vital part of the culture in the Colca Valley, a region where two indigenous groups, the Cabana and the Collagua, coexist. This cultural expression serves as a meeting point between these two peoples.

The differences between these ethnic groups go beyond the areas they inhabit (the Cabana in the lower zone and the Collagua in the upper zone of the Colca). They are also reflected in their distinct styles of dancing the Wititi.

On one hand, the Cabana dancers move with a more inclined posture, while the Collagua dancers maintain a more upright stance. Though this is a primary difference, there are other nuances, such as their interpretations of the dance. The Cabana style is more romantic and tender, while the Collagua style is bolder and more vigorous. However, regardless of these differences, the steps of the dance are always highly synchronized, symbolizing unity and communal harmony.

Source: PROMPERÚ

LET'S DANCE WITITI!

As one of the most iconic dances of Arequipa, the public celebrates the Wititi in December as part of the festivities in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception (on December 8) in the main square of Chivay, the capital of the Caylloma province. These festivities usually last for five days.

However, the Wititi dance is not limited to these festivities. The regional council of Arequipa has established July 14 as Wititi Dance Day each year, with the goal of promoting and spreading the practice of this southern dance.

Source: gob.pe

The Wititi has become both a cultural emblem and a major tourist attraction, perfectly complementing the region's stunning natural landscapes. Visitors to the Colca Valley not only marvel at its breathtaking geography, but also immerse themselves in the cultural richness embodied by the dance. This, in turn, creates economic opportunities for local communities, from the sale of embroidered costumes to artistic performances.

In this way, the Wititi serves as a living testament to the ability of indigenous cultures to adapt and endure over the centuries