Wititi is a traditional folk dance of the Colca Valley, associated with the beginning of adult life. It takes the form of a courtship ritual and is performed during religious celebrations around the rainy season. Male and female couples appear in rows and perform a variety of steps to the beat of a band.
This dance evolved and adapted during its expansion into high-altitude villages in the Colca. People who had been less influenced by the temporary invasion of the Aymaras adopted the terminology for being subjugated much later than the previously practiced dance of "Witiwiti" dating back to the culture of "Ccaccaatapay" from 1500 BC.
A version of this dance was performed in the summer when the Tapay fruit trees were in full production. The Quechuas settled on the banks of the Colca River, where the Quechuas called the sexual act "witir", which has nothing to do with the war dance or Wititi terminology.
In this way, they reimagined this romantic and warrior epic story for the purpose of accepting Mayta Cápac's political alliance with the ruler of the Collawas, a marriage that culminated in peace between the Inca sovereign and the princess Mama Yachi.
It is still observed in the “Machuwititis” in Tapay that the authentic wititis takes on an eminently carnivalesque and romantic dance. They evolved late with diverse styles and expanded to the upper parts of the valley, where they assumed dancing in their warrior style, reflecting their idiosyncrasies and Aymara domain, during religious festivities and carnivals.
The practice generally takes the form of a courtship ritual and is done during religious celebrations held during the rainy season. The dance is performed in troupes by rows of male and female couples to the beat of a band. Traditionally, female dancers wear finely embroidered garments with natural motifs and distinctive hats, whereas male dancers wear overlapping skirts and shirts, slings, and strong hats.
In addition to symbolizing the renewal of nature and society, the dance occurs at the beginning of the agricultural production cycle. Through the dance, social ties are strengthened and cultural identity is strengthened throughout the Colca Valley, where villages compete to produce the best ensembles while maintaining their traditional traits.
At the national level, folk dance ensembles perform this dance as part of their repertoires. Youth and children learn the Wititi dance of the Colca Valley through direct observation in a school and at private family gatherings such as birthdays and weddings.