Fiestas Patrias del Peru – Peru’s National Independence Day

Post written by Amanda, a United Planet team member.

Peru celebrated the anniversary of its independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821 this week. The revelry kicks off on the eve of July 27 each year with folk dancing and music performances in city plazas across the nation. Country fairs with bullfighting, and horse expositions are also part of festivities that take place. The national holiday lasts for two days every July 28 and 29.
To get ready for fiestas patrias, as the holiday is known in Peru, it is common for stores, restaurants, homes, schools, and public institutions to fly the Peruvian flag for the entire month of July. The 28th is a tribute to the liberation leader, General José de San Martín, who, together with Simón Bolívar, led independence struggles across South America. A formal 21-cannon Reveille takes place at dawn, when flags are raised all over the country. Later that morning, Peru’s president is required to give a state of the nation address. Newly-elected presidents assume office on this day. The next day, July 29, the nation’s military achievements are commemorated with an afternoon parade. The president also attends the Te Deum Mass, held in Lima.
This past Monday, July 28, a fountain in Lima’s Plaza de Armas was filled with 2000 liters of pisco, Peruvian brandy, and shared by about 50,00o Peruvians. Even the President, Alan Garcia, came out for a toast to honor Peru’s 187th Independence Day.

Peruvian President Alan Garcia

Celebrating major holidays in the Plaza de Armas in Peru is a given. When I was a volunteer serving abroad, I celebrated New Year’s, Peruvian style, in 2006 in Cusco’s own Plaza de Armas. Public merrymaking and sharing of pisco, wine, or beer, is customary during traditional holidays in Peru.

Volunteer Abroad with United Planet