Día De La independencia
Fiestas Patrias
DESCRIPTION:
The holiday sees public buildings decked in the national colors and celebrations across the country, making it an exciting time to visit Peru. Come prepared though: this is a busy time for tourism and Peru hotels and transportation both become booked up quickly. Plan ahead and Independence Day will be a rewarding Peru travel experience.
Known as the Fiestas Patrias Peruanas, the holiday falls every 28 & 29 July and offers a chance for the country to unite in celebration of the victorious Wars of Independence and the country’s armed forces.
Background:
July 28th commemorates the liberation of Peru from Spain by José de San Martin, the most famous liberator of Latin America aside from the Liberator himself, Simón Bolívar. The following day, July 29th, celebrates establishment of the Republic of Perú. Together these two days are called Las Fiestas Patrias, and are by far the most important national holidays in Peru.
When to go:
July 28-29th
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Tips:
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Most Peru hotels will be booked in advance so if you’re traveling independently, make sure you book ahead for the 28 & 29 July.
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Banks and other essential services will be closed for the holiday, so don’t be caught short without any cash.
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Transport schedules shouldn’t change, but fares may rise and tickets will be booked up in advance.
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When in a large crowd anywhere in the world, use sensible caution to avoid the small risk of being pick-pocketed. Wear bags on your chest and keep valuables in inside pockets or money belts.
Day 1: July 28th
The night before the big day, streets will be filled with criolla music and small parties, and the flag of Peru will be flying from nearly every building. In Lima, the official celebration starts before the Independence Day and takes place in Parque de la Muralla, where a huge variety of Peruvian music and dances, from traditional folkloricos and afro-peruvian songs to modern rock and reggaeton will be played. Official fireworks begin at midnight, and there is an amazing 3-D light show at the Fantasia Fountain in Centro De Lima.
Day 2: July 29th
The night before the big day, streets will be filled with criolla music and small parties, and the flag of Peru will be flying from nearly every building. In Lima, the official celebration starts before the Independence Day and takes place in Parque de la Muralla, where a huge variety of Peruvian music and dances, from traditional folkloricos and afro-peruvian songs to modern rock and reggaeton will be played. Official fireworks begin at midnight, and there is an amazing 3-D light show at the Fantasia Fountain in Centro De Lima.
Day 2: July 30th
The next day is Peru’s Grand Military Parade day, and, true to its name, is filled with military parades and celebrations of the victories of Peru in war. The main event, and the official end of Fiestas Patrias, is the Grand Military Parade which heads down Avenida Brazil from Magdalena del Mar to Centro de Lima. Representatives of every portion of Peru armed forces are present, from planes and helicopters to artillery and tank, and from elite special forces squadrons to ceremonial guards to indigenous self-defense militias. It is all presided over by the president of Peru, who has to ceremonially give permission for the parade to the commander of the Lima Garrison before it can proceed.