Mi Perú-Minnesota (Mi Perú-MN) is a non-profit organization that promotes Peruvian culture through folkloric dances and ethnic events. Founded in Minneapolis in 2017, the group strives to bridge Peruvian and Minnesotan cultures while contributing to the diversity within Minnesota’s Latine population and society at large. Over the years, it has grown to become a multigenerational and multiethnic group with a presence as one of the primary Peruvian folkloric dance groups in Minnesota.
In the late 2000s, a group of Peruvian women living in the Twin Cities formed a Peruvian folkloric dance group called Asi Es Mi Perú (That’s My Peru). Over time, the group dissolved, leaving some of its original members, along with other dancers, to establish a new group. This new organization inherited the previous group’s costumes, funding, and non-profit status. On July 26th, 2017, Mi Perú-Minnesota was created, along with its new mission and vision for the group.
Mi Peru-MN members hail from various parts of Peru, from the coast to the Andes mountains to tropical rainforests. They bring with them the cultural backgrounds specific to their Peruvian places of birth or residency. Their diverse experiences provide insight into dances with Indigenous roots as well as those with European and Afro-Peruvian rhythms. Recently, people born in other countries in Latin America have joined the group, further expanding its diversity.
Mi Perú-MN held its first official ethnic event on Saturday, July 29, 2017. Friends and family gathered for a potluck at Minnehaha Falls Park in Minneapolis to celebrate Peruvian Independence Day, which is commemorated on July 28. The group performed various folkloric dances while guests enjoyed Peruvian food and kids played games nearby. Over 300 people attended.
In the following years, Mi Perú-MN moved its Independence Day celebration to a recreation center in the Twin Cities metro area. This free event, open to the community, provided an opportunity to experience Peruvian culture through dance performances from Mi Perú-MN, as well as live music, cuisine, handicrafts, raffles, and games. This event also offered the public a chance to enjoy other local folkloric dance groups and music.
Mi Perú-MN takes pride in performing at all kinds of events throughout the year. These include the International Institute of Minnesota's Festival of Nations, multicultural school and university events, Independence Day celebrations from other countries, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Latine festivals, religious events, fundraising galas, non-profit organization events, and weddings, among others.
Mi Perú-MN often receives donations and payments for its cultural performances. This funding allows the group to purchase new folkloric dance outfits brought directly from Peru, and in doing so to enhance their dance repertoire. In addition, as a non-profit, the group holds meetings and rehearsals in venues available to the public across the Twin Cities metro area, such as recreational centers, community rooms, and classrooms at universities. The group’s events and performances have been featured in local newspapers and other media outlets, showcasing the presence and contributions of Peruvian culture in Minnesota. Each member of Mi Perú-MN balances a full time job and/or family responsibilities with dedicating time and resources to the group.
Mi Perú-MN brings together a multigenerational community of women and empowers members to share their passion for dancing as part of an ethnic community. These experiences motivate members to stay engaged and committed to promoting Peruvian folklore in Minnesota.