Criollo Music Day in Peru Date in the current year: October 31, 2024

Criollos are one of the Latin American castas, alongside Peninsulares, Indios, Mestizos, Castizos, Cholos, Pardos, Mulatos, Zambos, and Negros. Criollo is a Spanish term that means “native born and raised”. It is most commonly associated with Latin Americans of full or near full Spanish descent. In Peru, however, the term “Criollo” is primarily associated with the syncretic culture of the Pacific coast, which combines elements of Spanish, African, Native American and Romani culture.

Criollo Music Day was created to celebrate the Criollo music and culture of Peru. Criollo music in its modern form originated in the early 20th century in the province of Lima, or to be more precise, in Barrios Altos, Rimac and La Victoria. One of the most famous examples of Criollo music is El plebeyo, a waltz composed by Peruvian poet and songwriter Felipe Pinglo Alva.

Criollo music was influenced by European, Andean, and African music. Its most popular genres include marinera, Peruvian vals and tondero, polka, festejo, coplas de amor fino, zamacueca, and lando. On October 31, traditional Peruvian tunes can be heard throughout the country, and people dance to Criollo music regardless of their ethnic origin.