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Winter 2015

Celebration

Dancers during a festival in Cusco, Peru

Independence Day in Peru is celebrated in two days, July 28th and 29th each year. We commemorate the Proclamation of Independence from Spanish dominion in 1821 and honour the Peruvian Armed Force. These are important dates in our civic calendar because Peru born as independent republic so they are days of pride and celebration for all Peruvian citizens around the world.

Two weeks before of Independence Day, people begin to decorate their houses with Peruvian flags and red and white pennant bunting.

The celebrations begin with a mass by the Archbishop in the Cathedral of Lima where government people participate. After that, the President of Peru makes a National message in the Congress of the Republic. Next day, Military and School parades take place in the main avenue in the downtown Lima.

As both days are National holidays, there are culture events and concerts such as Andean and folkloric music, cumbia, marinera, and more, at the National Stadium in Lima. Also, people enjoy to participate in the gastronomic fairs, where they can taste popular Peruvian dishes like ceviche, anticuchos, lomo saltado, pollo a la brasa, etc. In addition, people travel to different provinces around the country to enjoy typical dances, religious processions, and traditional activities.

Independence Day represents the fight for freedom, sovereignty, and national identity. It is a special time to remember to our national heroes, value our history, and renew our commitment to our country. It is also a great opportunity to reflect regarding the present and future as a free and sovereign nation.