Peru has some of the most distinct cultures in South America. Peruvian culture which dates back to thousands of years are still in practice today. There are over 3000 festivals that take pace each year each with its own dressing, music, dances and other practices. Old traditional Peruvian music is one of the most popular of the Peru cultures because of its unique instruments. Dressing for each dance is dependant on the origin of the community.

Some of the oldest Peruvian music and dances are characterized by use of different instruments including the Quena Traditional Flute, Putotos (shell wind instrument) and the poncho clad. The music is most popular in other countries because of their distinct symbols of Huayno and Marinera.

Some of the oldest Peruvian music and dances are characterized by use of different instruments including the Quena Traditional Flute, Putotos (shell wind instrument) and the poncho clad. The music is more popular in other countries because of their distinct symbols of Huayno and Marinera.

Sound produced is more of airy or breathy tone.
Quena has been a part of Peruvian music for generations. Quena was banned at one point by the Peruvian government at one point because it was said that it encouraged indecent emotions among natives. Quenacho is a smaller version of quena flute and has a lower tone and are similar manner.

Some queen used in Peruvian music is also made from stone, clay and bamboo. They are used for all kinds of festivals including celebrations and mourning. The flute is only blown when spitting watermelon seeds while lifting the flute up against your lower lips. You have to do this while tilting the flute so that the bottom can move forward and backwards. Once you get the required sound, you have to keep applying more pressure to create good contact.

In the Andean culture the phrase ‘we will go to the quena’. This statement is commonly used to threaten little kids because it is made from bamboo which is a hard material. Today, quena is still used in traditional Peruvian music. Some communities and cultures have also adapted to its usage quena in their music. Some of these communities include Illapu and the Nueva Cancion.

Learn more about Peruvian Music. Stop by Michael Arrons’s site where you can find out all about Peruvian Music and what it can do for you.