Huayno

Huayno is a traditional Andean musical genre and dance form widely associated with the highland regions of Peru and Bolivia, with presence in Ecuador, northern Chile and Argentina. Its origins lie in the Andean highlands, evolving from Indigenous musical traditions in contact with Spanish colonial influences; the name huayno is used for both the music and the dance.

Musical characteristics vary by region but commonly feature a vocal melody supported by chordophones such as guitar and charango, and a set of indigenous wind or percussion instruments like the panpipes (zampoñas) and quena. Traditional ensembles may include violin, harp, drum. Rhythms often in a 2/4 or 6/8 feel with lively tempo; songs are typically sung in Quechua or Spanish, or in mixed language.

Lyric themes include love, longing, family, migration, daily life, the landscape and social issues; huayno songs are often transmitted orally and adapted across communities.

The dance accompanies the music, performed by couples with steps that emphasize stamping feet and turns; costumes include bright textiles, polleras, ponchos and hats, reflecting Andean dress.

Today huayno remains a core element of regional festivals and is also performed in urban folk and world music contexts, sometimes fused with cumbia, salsa or Nueva Canción styles. It has regional styles such as Peruvian huayno and Bolivian huayño, with variations in tempo and instrumentation.