Let's visit Chincha, Pisco and Cañete: destinations of Afro-Peruvian culture

Three important cities in our country have been the main settlements of the Afro-Peruvian community. Enjoy each of them! Since 2006, the Afro-Peruvian culture has been celebrated throughout the month of June. The official day was June 4th. This date was chosen because it is the day Nicomedes Santa Cruz was born, the greatest researcher of Afro-descendant culture in Peru. 

It is a great cultural contribution! The Afro-Peruvian culture festival seeks to pay tribute to the birth of the famous Peruvian décima poet Nicomedes Santa Cruz. In addition, it is intended to revalue its richness and contribution to the cultural identity of our country.

The Afro-Peruvian population represents 3.6 % of the country, according to the National Population and Housing Census (INEI, 2017). There is no exact location or geographic distribution of this community because they have spread in every corner of Peru over time. Historically, they have settled mainly in the Peruvian coast: Lima, Ica, Piura, La Libertad and Tacna. The most important cities for this community are Chincha, Cañete and Pisco.

CHINCHA

Chincha is located 200 Km south of Lima in Ica. It is less than three hours by bus from the capital. This city stands out for its delicious pottages and for being one of the main cities that welcomes the Afro-Peruvian community. A huge part of its population is descendant of slaves from colonial times. They served in haciendas with amazing architecture. 

Y Tú Qué Planes recommends its main tourist sites of the Huaca Centinela, an archaeological site built before the Inca empire, and the District of El Carmen, where the well-known image of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the town, is located. 

PISCO

Pisco is also located in the department of Ica and is the capital of the province in which it is located. There are several tourist attractions in Pisco. These include the Main Square, the Cathedral of Pisco, the Miranda pier that was completed in 1880 and the port of Pisco, the beaches and small coves. In addition, the most visited place is the Ballestas Islands, beautiful islands with impressive fauna. Pisco receives this name because our flagship drink was created here.

In Pisco, you can mainly appreciate the Mozamala dance, a typical dance of the Lima carnival organized by groups of Afro-Peruvian devils. This dance is characterized by its striking jumps. Over time, this dance has expanded to more places along the Peruvian coast.

CAÑETE

In the tourist city of Cañete, you can find delicious food, an excellent climate, and it is also the main base of the Afro-Peruvian community. The Afro-Peruvian Folklore Festival, known as the Black Art Festival, is held in this city. Its main production is dedicated to the crop of cotton, grapes and tangerines. Typical dishes include: Sopa seca and carapulcra.

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These three places are undoubtedly impressive tourist destinations and in the context of the month of Afro-Peruvian Culture, visiting them will significantly contribute to this community and all its work.