Huaylarsh is a carnival dance from the Mantaro Valley in Junín, performed by groups of young couples in colourful costumes. With powerful zapateo, jumps, shoulder movements and flirtatious play, it celebrates the agricultural cycle — sowing, the growth of the potato and the harvest — and the courtship of young people.
The Wanka people of the Mantaro Valley have farmed some of the most fertile land in the Andes for centuries, and their festivals follow the agricultural calendar. The huaylarsh was danced by young people from February to April, during carnival, when the crops are growing, and it celebrated both fertility and the forming of new couples. There are two main forms: the older ‘huaylarsh antiguo’, closer to rural ritual, and the ‘huaylarsh moderno’, which developed in the 20th century with a fast tempo, spectacular zapateo and jumps. Huancayo hosts contests where dozens of groups compete, and the dance is a favourite of folk ensembles across Peru.
