The Marinera is popular throughout the country but is best known and performed in Trujillo, the city considered the capital of the Marinera. Its heritage is proudly considered to be a mixture of both native tradition and that of other ethnicities that have come to Peru. Musicaperuana.com says that it is from "an old legacy that is born of our accepted roots, Hispanic, Indian and Black. Cultural roots that have given each one a little bit of their blood transformed into rhythm and flavor." It also asserts that it is a true expression of "criollismo"--a term referring to national pride in native arts and literature.
The exact history of the Marinera is vague, or as enjoyperu.com says, "The origin of the Marinera dance gets lost in the labyrinth of the centuries." It mixes traditions from different Peruvian cultures, and experts believe that it has roots in earlier dances such as the zamacueca or mozamala. But much of the Marinera is certainly more modern, since Peruvian dance was danced only in groups before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 1500s, and men and women did not dance as couples. The use of handkerchiefs also is a European influence.
The dance had been been known for some time as "The Chilean." But in 1879, when Peru went to war with Chile, the dance was given its current name in honor of the Peruvian navy, or "marina" in Spanish.
As the graceful woman in a long skirt and the dapper man in a straw hat enact their courtship, the Marinera is traditionally accompanied by a musical group consisting of four guitars and a "cajon," a percussive instrument made from a wooden box. Bugles were not originally part of the ensemble but are now commonly used. Two of the guitar players also sing, and claps are added by both the singers and the audience. The tempo varies in the different types of Marinera dances, but often begins slowly and then builds speed.
There are three main types of the Marinera, defined by the region where they originated: The Marinera Limena, from Lima; The Marinera Costena, from the coastal regions; and the Marinera Serrana, from the mountain regions. They differ musically, using minor and major tones, and in tempo. The Costena and Limena are also known for being more fun, both in playful lyrics and a more flirtatious dance, while the Serrana is more serious and romantic.
Peruvians are quite proud of their national dance, and enjoy performing it and promoting its popularity. Dance academies throughout the country teach it, and there are numerous competitions and celebrations. The most famous of these is the National Festival of the Marinera, held every January in Trujillo, also known as "The City of Eternal Spring." However, there are many other performances and contests held in other cities during the year for the Marinera. An example of the dance and a portion of the documentary "Marinera, Passion of Peru" can be seen on YouTube.