Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas are the traditional dances of the city of Chincha, located in the Ica region, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
These famous dances are popular during the Christmas period, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas are the result of the combination of the African, Spanish and Andean rhythm, with roots in 17th century dances and songs.
Hatajo de Negritos is danced only by men. The Las Pallitas dance, also known as Las Pallas, is danced exclusively by women. The name of this dance is a word of Quechua origin that alludes to female people. The only musical instrument used in the Hatajo de Negritos is the violin, while Las Pallitas are animated by the sound of a guitar.
Both dances are not only staged in Chinca, but also in Huaral (Lima) and Huaytará (Huancavelica) representing the best of Peru's multiculturalism.
