Which countries are associated with cueca music and dance?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

The cueca is a traditional folk dance and musical style primarily associated with Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.1

Originating from the zamacueca, which was a prominent 19th-century mestizo dance in Lima, the form evolved and took on different names as Andean republics established their own national identities. In Chile and Bolivia, it is known as la cueca, while in Argentina, it is also recognized as a courtship dance involving handkerchiefs. Additionally, through the influence of Chilean sailors during the 19th century, the dance was introduced to Mexico, where it is known as la chilena.213