Peru Events and Festivals

4/01/2008 - 4/30/2008Peruvian Paso Horse Festival

A very special breed of horse has resulted from Spanish and Arab strains reared in the coastal desert environment. A high-stepping gait evolved, to cope with the soft sand, and the result after centuries of breeding and refinement is the Peruvian Paso horse, one of the world's most elegant breeds. Traditional costumes for the Paso comprise elaborate saddles and the white outfit, wide-brimmed hat, poncho, boots and spurs of the 'chalan' (rider) himself. Many dressage-style competitions take place in Peru which showcase the complex steps of the horse which have inspired the marinera dance form. The most important competition is the 'Nacional El Paso' at Mamacona, a coastal resort within walking distance of the ancient pre-Inca site of Pachacamac.