Peruvian Embassy showcases living heritage of Andes in Kuwait

01/10/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 1: The Embassy of the Republic of Peru in Kuwait hosted a reception to mark the opening of the exhibition “Retablos de Ayacucho: A Living Tradition of the Peruvian Andes” at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP Kuwait), bringing a distinctive expression of Peruvian cultural heritage to Kuwait.

The exhibition, which continues until October 6, was attended by diplomatic and cultural figures, as well as art enthusiasts and visitors interested in Peru's heritage and traditions.

Peruvian Ambassador to Kuwait Carlos Jiménez said the exhibition offers a window into a distinctive aspect of Peru's cultural heritage, allowing visitors to discover the country through the colours, characters and stories depicted in the Ayacucho retablos, one of the most recognised forms of traditional Peruvian folk art.

He stated that the handcrafted works originate from the Ayacucho region in the Andes and consist of brightly coloured wooden boxes containing miniature scenes depicting different aspects of daily life, celebrations, music, dance, traditional occupations and Andean customs.

HE. Jiménez said each retablo is handmade and painted by skilled artisans and carries its own story, reflecting the creativity, identity and cultural heritage of the Peruvian people. The art form has become one of the distinctive symbols of Peruvian folk art and plays an important role in preserving traditions and stories passed down through generations.

Five decades of Peru-Kuwait relations

Speaking about bilateral relations, HE. Jiménez said Kuwait and Peru enjoy strong ties and highlighted the progress achieved over the past decades as the two countries approach nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations.

He stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen people-to-people contacts and expanding areas of bilateral cooperation between Peru and Kuwait.

The Ambassador said cultural activities such as the Ayacucho retablos exhibition serve as an important bridge between the two countries, as culture provides an opportunity to understand the history, identities and traditions of different peoples while promoting greater mutual understanding and communication.

The exhibition features a collection of retablos depicting scenes from life in the Andean region through colourful miniature figures and settings inspired by everyday life, popular celebrations, music, dance, customs and traditional occupations.

Known for their intricate details and vibrant colours, the retablos offer visitors an insight into the popular memory and cultural traditions of Ayacucho, with each piece reflecting elements of a heritage preserved and passed from one generation to another.

The exhibition carries the message “Discover Peru through the colours and stories of Ayacucho,” presenting the retablo tradition not merely as handicrafts or works of art, but as a living expression of the cultural identity and heritage of the Peruvian people.

By John C Fernandes
Online Media Manager
Arab Times