Cueca

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People dancing cueca in 1906

The cueca has been declared the official national dance of Chile since September 18, 1979.

While its origins are not clearly defined, it is considered to have Spanish, African influences, amongst others. The most widespread version of its origins relates it with the zamacueca which arose in Peru as a variation of Spanish Fandango dancing with criollo and African influences. The dance is then thought to have passed to Chile and Argentina where its name was shortened and where it continued to evolve. Prior to the War of the Pacific, it was also known in Peru as the cueca. Later, the term Marinera, in honor of that country's naval combatants was popularized. The usual interpretation of this courting dance is zoomorphic: it tries to reenact the courting ritual of a rooster and a hen. The male displays a quite enthusiastic and at times even aggressive attitude while attempting to court the female, who is elusive, defensive and demure.

Some differences can be noticed depending on geographical location and there are two distinct variants in addition to the traditional cueca:

The Northern Cueca: The main difference with this version is that there is no singing in the accompanying music which is played with only trumpets, tubas and drums. Also, both the music and the dance are slower.

The Chiloé Cueca or Cueca Chilota: The main difference is that the steps are shorter and that the singer has a more important role than the instruments.