Later, we used the same bread oven to make pollo al horno (baked chicken) for lunch. Cooking everything in the oven makes the food taste even better. It always feels special when we spend the whole day preparing and sharing a meal together.
I like listening to all kinds of music, but one constant in our house is huayno, a style of music that is popular in the Ancash region. I hear it playing during the day at home, at celebrations and even on the farm. The rhythm is lively and energetic. It’s become a regular part of my daily life here.
I think it’s amazing that all over the world, people use many of the same instruments—like guitars, drums, and flutes—but create completely different sounds. Hearing huayno has helped me see how music, just like food and language, reflects the culture and history of a place.
This week my town has been celebrating Carnaval. The holiday was brought to South America during Spanish colonization, and today it is celebrated all across the continent in different ways. In Peru, Carnaval usually lasts about a week, and each day has its own special activities and traditions.
My favorite part is Martes Guerra, which translates to “War Tuesday.” It’s basically one giant water fight where people throw water balloons, spray water and often even use paint. Everyone ends up completely soaked and painted, but it’s all in good fun.
