Peru

The Meaning of Culture

Before writing my paper on the “Culture of Peru” I needed to find out the meaning of culture. Culture is a set of beliefs, values, and practices that a group of people have in common. It is a learned way of life which includes language, celebrations, artistic expression, arts, sports, and the government. I also learned that everything in a person’s day-to-day life is part of their culture. From the music you hear to the foods you eat. Culture is the single most powerful influence on how we perceive the world and everything in it. From here I will discuss the culture of the beautiful country of Peru.

The Culture Traits of Peru

People of Peru

The people of Peru are a mix of many different cultures which includes Indians, Spaniards, descendants of African slaves, and Asians. Over half of Peru's population lives on the coastal areas of Peru, whereas the rest mainly live in the mountain areas. Less than 5% of the natives live in the jungle areas of Peru. Approximately 45% of the people of Peru are indigenous, and about 37% is mestizo (a combination of both indigenous and of Latin descent). The rest of the population of Peru is Indian, African, Chinese, or of some other descent. The national language is Spanish, but also Quechua is spoken. The cultural capital of Peru is seen by many as Cuzco, where the foundation of traditional Incan heritage and culture is the most evident. In addition, many villages located in the highlands of the Andes Mountains also display the most preserved of heritage. The majority of people in Peru live in cities. Spanish is the official language of Peru. However, People living in the rainforests may speak any of over 30 different languages.

Religion and Festivals

Peruvians are free to practice the religion of their choice. Most Peruvians, however, are Roman Catholic. The Spanish brought the Catholic religion to Peru in the 1500s and forced may of the Native people to adopt this faith. Today, most...