Festejo

Festejo (from Spanish 'fiesta') is a festive form of Peruvian music. It can be seen as a celebration of Perú's independence and the emancipation of slaves, or as an attempt to reinvent diaspora African music without reference to slavery. Composers of all races have contributed to the development of festejo repertoire. Its origins are in a competitive circle dance performed by men playing cajóns. Nowadays, people of all ages and races participate in a witty dance accompanying the festejo.