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Mestiza Qoyacha is a dance of republican origin that evokes the courtship between waynas (young Spaniards) and Qoyachas (young women of Inca lineage). It represents the mestizo joy of young people with romantic intentions, from which new marriages are born. Qoyacha translates as “Little Queen” or “Little Sovereign.” In choreography and costumes, this dance is very similar to the previously described contradance and is also considered to be linked to agriculture. The characters lead each line, forming well-defined couples. The choreography has a variation called Waylllash, whose movements are derived from the peasant dance of the same name and which is also related to the worship of Pachamama and the pursuit of romantic relationships among young people. This photograph, taken on September 15, 2019, was made possible thanks to the group who entrusted me with photographing them. I hope to see them again at the celebration of the Lord of Qoyllur Riti.

It’s 4:30 in the afternoon, and Hugo Muñoz, with the patience and charisma of a true artist, has about half an hour to get ready. He prepares in good spirits, launching into improvised songs that elicit genuine laughter. He tells us calmly, “Clowns are born by mistake or chance. That was my case, and from that moment I began on this path full of joviality.” The opening song of his performance begins, he emerges from the dressing room, steps through the curtain, and the audience welcomes Pitillo the Clown, his alter ego, with enthusiastic applause. In 2015, he published his book “A Clown’s Manifesto,” a declaration of principles reflecting on circus arts in Peru. The following year, Hugo Muñoz released his first children’s book, “A Clown’s Story.” Pitillo continues to bring joy to people of all ages, and not only that, in recent years, “The Circus of Joy,” which he owns, has toured various districts of Lima and throughout Peru. This is with the aim of continuing to spread joy to all social classes in our country. He lives happily with his wife and children. Notes from 2014 /JC.