Pandilla Moyobambina: A traditional dance celebrated during Fiesta de San Juan

In Peru's rich and varied cultural tapestry, the Fiesta de San Juan stands out as a vibrant blend of traditions rooted in the country's history and folklore. During this celebration, the people of Moyobamba express their devotion and heritage through the lively dance of the Pandilla Moyobambina. This artistic expression merges rhythm, color, and traditional customs to honor the importance of this significant festival.

Originally from the city of Moyobamba, in the region of San Martin, the Pandilla Moyobambina is a folkloric dance that has become one of the cultural emblems of the Fiesta de San Juan. Its history dates back to the 16th century, with the first Spanish expeditions to the Peruvian Amazon in search of El Dorado.

A display of art and color

The Pandilla Moyobambina is characterized by its contagious energy and colorful visual display. Dancers move in synchronized harmony, the gentlemen wear white shirts and dark trousers, while the ladies wear colorful dresses with long skirts and their hair is either loose or tied back with beautiful headdresses. As they move, each couple wears white handkerchiefs, swaying them gracefully to the beat, embodying the rhythm of the music. Their movements, a blend of power and elegance, capture the joy and vitality of life found in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. 

The music of Pandilla Moyobambina pulses with vibrancy and energy. It dances to the lively rhythms of percussion, wind, and bass drum instruments, setting the beat and complementing other traditional instruments. Its enchanting melodies invite spectators to join in the festive atmosphere, inviting them to revel in the joy and enthusiasm of life's celebration.

Photography: Flor Ruiz

A dance in honor of San Juan

The Fiesta de San Juan, highlighted by the presence of Pandilla Moyobambina, holds significant importance for the communities of the Amazon. Throughout numerous days, the streets come alive with music, dance, and color, as people come together to enjoy moments of camaraderie and festivity.

During Fiesta de San Juan in Moyobamba, the Main Square transforms into the heart of the celebration. Vibrant groups of locals and neighbors flood the streets, joyfully joining in the dance and making their way to the thermal baths. It is here that the traditional Baño Bendito marks the beginning of Fiesta de San Juan.

Photography: Juan Puelles

Throughout the festival, there are religious processions, gastronomic fairs, and handicraft contests that take place, enriching the cultural experience. It is a time of jubilation, communal spirit, and connection to the region's ancestral heritage. 

The Pandilla Moyobambina is not only an artistic manifestation but also a symbol of identity and pride for the people of Moyobamba and its surroundings. Through this dance, the ancestral traditions of the region are preserved and promoted, transmitting them from one generation to the next and strengthening the sense of community and belonging.

Guinness Record for the Pandilla Moyobambina

In 2018, Moyobamba made history with an impressive display of determination and dedication to its cultural heritage. The city brings together 1,585 couples to dance in the traditional Pandilla Moyobambina at the Main Square. After months of arduous rehearsal, under the rain and scorching sun, the community achieved perfect synchronization, captivating spectators for over an hour, marking an unforgettable moment in local history.

After 6:00 AM, the jury officially announced that the Guinness World Record had been achieved: Pandilla Moyobambina had triumphed. In response, the streets of Moyobamba flooded with residents, heading to the thermal baths to participate in the traditional Baño Bendito in honor of Fiesta de San Juan.