»BRIEF HISTORICAL REFERENCE

The first vestiges of human presence in Ayacucho are found in the Pikimachay cave and date from 20,000 BC. Later on, during the formative period, between 1,000 BC and the first years AD, settlers established in Rancha, Chupas and Wichqana. Between 250 and 500 AD, the Warpa culture developed, and from the sixth through the twelfth century the Wari empire flourished, founding its capital in the Ayacucho region, to later give way to the Chanka regional state.

The Incas conquered Ayacucho, building a provincial administrative center of great importance in the zone of Vilcashuamán.

When the Spanish arrived, they founded the city of San Juan de la Frontera, located between the towns of Quinua and Huamanguillas. However, due to strategic and climatic reasons, the center was transferred to Pukaray.

In December 9, 1824, the Battle of Ayacucho took place and put an end to the Spanish oppression.

Basilio Auqui and María Parado de Bellido deserve special mention for their courage during the struggle for independence. The former, as leader of the legendary Morochucos, who for many years carried around the revolutionary flag on horseback, until he suffered treason and fell. The latter, who preferred torture and to face the firing squad rather revealing the names of the revolutionary leaders.

HANDICRAFTS

Ayacucho's handicrafts are particularly rich due to the presence of several cultures, notably the Spanish and Indian, which mingled several expressions, including:

The Retablos
Miniature altar boxes which, with the passing of time, have incorporated Andean folk scenes.
The Huamanga Stone Stone carved figurines are the most representative symbols of Ayacucho handicrafts. These figurines depict traditional scenes from daily life.
Silver and filigree work
The quality of silver work preserves the standard achieved since Colonial times.


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»MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THE CAPITAL

Wari.
Pre-Inca citadel at 22 km (13 ml). It was the capital of the Wari empire and, according to historians, sheltered a population of 5,000 people. Walls, graves, canals, etcetera, can be still observed.
Vicashuamán, At 120 km (75 ml) south of Ayacucho. It was an Inca administrative center. Outstanding buildings are the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, the Ushno or ceremonial pyramid, the plazas, among others.
Intiwatana , Near Vilcashuamán. An archeological complex with a palace, a tower, the Inca bath (with a 17-corner stone) and an artificial lagoon.

Tinankayoq, Natural forest in the road to Vilcashuamán, where the highest plant in the world is found, the Raimondi puya or Tintanka. Some of these Raimondi puyas reach up to 12 mt (40 ft).
Pampa Galeras, National reserve in the province of Lucanas where the vicuñas are kept in their natural habitat.
Laguna de Parinacochas, is in the province by the same name, this lagoon houses the parihuanas, birds with red wings and white breasts that inspired Libertador San Martín to create the Peruvian flag.
San Francisco.,
Town at the Jungle edge, distinguished by its tropical climate and abundant fauna and flora.
Quinua. Town of potters at 37 km (23 ml) from the capital. It was the site of the famous Battle of Ayacucho, where the independence of the country and expulsion of the Spanish troops was confirmed.
Huanta. Gorgeous city located at 51 km (32 ml) from Ayacucho. The valley is outstanding for its rich flora and fauna.

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»CUISINE
Due to the variety of its climate and geography (Coast and Sierra), Ancash has dishes to please the most demanding tastes. Beside the cebiche and other dishes based on fish and seafood that may be tasted on the Coast, well-known in the Sierra are, Huaracino style guinea-pig picante, jaca-chasqui (a variation of the former dish, but as a soup), papa-chasqui (soup based on potato, milk and cottage cheese), yuca-shupe (an low fat soup served in the morning after a night of amusement), pecán-caldo (lamb head broth), huallpa-chasqui (chicken broth with ground nuts and almonds), and humitas de chococa.

It is recommended to drink any of the different fruit punches, according to the season.

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»TOURIST CALENDAR

January 18 through 21. Virgen de Chiquinguirá. Caraz honors its patron dancing, drinking and eating during those days.

February 2. Virgen de la Candelaria. The province of Aija honors this Virgin with dancers disguised as black men, and tasting typical food.

February. Carnivals. This is a celebration in Huaraz and other districts with great pomp and exhibition of folk dances, food and costumes.

Holy Week. Several activities are planned during these days to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on behalf of humanity. At Huir, processions take place during the whole week, the locals carrying a different image each day. At Lujuriaba, on Palm Sunday the whole town participates in the celebrations with the palms they have previously gathered from the fields and which are to be blessed and carried during the processions. At Carduza, the people wear black garments and keep mourning on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. At Huasas, there is a gathering of images and retreat. At Corono, the people stay home and do penance on Good Friday.

May 3. Señor de la Soledad, patron of earthquakes and disasters. On this day, the people from other districts and villages arrive bringing with them small typical music bands with quenas (Andean flutes) and bombos (large drums), and also gigantic candles made by themselves to carry during the procession.

June 8. Fiesta de la Virgen Purísima. The province of Raimondi organizes the festivity in honor of this Virgin with bullfights, typical dances, cattle selling, and also pageants of the Inca period.

June 29. Fiesta de San Pedro de Corongo, patron of the province. With diverse activities, folklore, food and drink, among others.

Chimbote Week. It takes place the last week in June, with artistic, cultural, sports and social activities. National and foreign performers attend. On the 29, the patron of the city, San Pedro, is taken in procession around the bay.

July 8. Fiesta de Santa Isabel. One of the most pompous festivities in Huaylas. It includes the participation of several music bands, dancers and guests, who enjoy themselves both day and night.

July 25. Fiesta de Santiago Apóstol. At the province of Aija, religious and folklore activities are organized, where the town people practice the yuca-canga, which means 'yuca gift.'

August 15. Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción. It is celebrated in the provinces of Huari, Raimondi and Huaylas, up the mountain slopes announcing the arrival of the Virgin. At Huari, there are also bullfights, cockfights and ribbon tournaments. Here, the men compete on horseback as in medieval times, trying to pick with a small stick a ring that bears their lovers name.

August 20. Santa Regional Fair, where the people of the province sell and exhibit their products.

August 30. Grand celebration of the founding of the province of Aija. People dwelling in other cities return to their homeland to celebrate this festivity as it deserves. Also in Chiquián, a province of Bolognesi, Santa Rosa is honored on her day. During the whole week, music, dancing, bullfights and soccer matches takes place.

September 14. Exaltación de la Cruz.

November 1 and 2. All Saints Day and Day of the Dead. Family and friends visit different cemeteries of the department to recall their dead. They attend together with musicians, food and drink, which they consume until dawn.

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