cueca

thumb|A couple dancing Cueca at Palacio de La Moneda during El Dieciocho thumb|People dancing Cueca in 1906

Cueca () is a family of musical styles and associated dances in which 'the dancers, who carry a handkerchief in their right hand, trace circular figures, with turns and half-turns, interrupted by various flourishes.' It dates back to the late 18th century, and its origin is disputed; there are various theories or schools of thought regarding its provenance and evolution.