Saqra Explained

Saqra
Origin:	Paucartambo, Cusco, Peru

Saqra (Quechua for malignant, pernicious, bad, bad tempered, wicked / restless / devil, a synonym of supay; but, unlike Supay, a Saqra entity just plays innocent tricks. Mostly it is represented with animal figures.)^{[1] [2]} is a traditional dance in the highlands of the Cusco Region in Peru. The dancers dress as animal figures. This traditional dance has its origins in the late 19th century in the province of Paucartambo, Cusco and was inspired by the sacred paintings of the so called “Mamacha Carmen” also known as the "Virgen del Carmen". Saqra means roguery, restlessness, agility or mischief in English.^[3]

It is performed at feasts in honor of patron saints such as Mamacha Carmen in Paucartambo^[4] and Virgen del Rosario de Huallhua in the San Salvador District of the Calca Province.^[5]

See also

• Ch'unchu
• Qhapaq negro
• Qhapaq Qulla

Notes and References

1. Teofilo Laime Ajacopa, Diccionario Bilingüe Iskay simipi yuyayk'ancha, La Paz, 2007 (Quechua-Spanish dictionary)
2. Diccionario Quechua - Español - Quechua, Academía Mayor de la Lengua Quechua, Gobierno Regional Cusco, Cusco 2005 (Quechua-Spanish dictionary)
3. Web site: Roguery, mischief and colors: the Dance of Saqra -. Perurail.com. 11 March 2019.
4. Web site: Festividad de la Virgen del Carmen de Paucartambo. . Mincetur.gob.pe. March 9, 2014.
5. Web site: Declaran Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación a la Festividad de la Virgen del Rosario de Huallhua Distrito de San Salvador - Calca. . Minsterio de Comercia y Turismo. March 9, 2014.