Fiestas Patrias (Peru)
Encyclopedia
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
vian National Holidays are celebrations of Peru's independence from the Spanish Empire
Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire comprised territories and colonies administered directly by Spain in Europe, in America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. It originated during the Age of Exploration and was therefore one of the first global empires. At the time of Habsburgs, Spain reached the peak of its world power....
. They officially consist of two days:
- July 28, in commemoration of Peru's independence won by José de San MartínJosé de San MartínJosé Francisco de San Martín, known simply as Don José de San Martín , was an Argentine general and the prime leader of the southern part of South America's successful struggle for independence from Spain.Born in Yapeyú, Corrientes , he left his mother country at the...
. - July 29, in honor of the Armed ForcesMilitary of PeruThe Peruvian Armed Forces are the military services of Peru, comprising independent Army, Navy and Air Force components. Their primary mission is to safeguard the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any threat...
and the National Police of Peru.
The celebration of Fiestas Patrias in Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
coincides with the vacation periods for the local schools as well as some businesses.
Along with Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
, Fiestas Patrias is one of the most important celebrations of the year for Peruvians and it is normal for local businesses to generate as much revenue as in the month of December. Tourism tends to increase during these holidays with visitors coming to join in the celebrations.
July 28
July 28 in each year commemorates the day that Peru gained its independence. General José de San MartínJosé de San Martín
José Francisco de San Martín, known simply as Don José de San Martín , was an Argentine general and the prime leader of the southern part of South America's successful struggle for independence from Spain.Born in Yapeyú, Corrientes , he left his mother country at the...
, known as Peru's liberator, proclaimed Peru's independence on this date.
At dawn on the 28th a 21 cannon salute begins flag-raising ceremonies as Peru remembers the anniversary of its birth.
Use of the Flag
Regarding the President
The President of Peru fulfills one of his major obligations during these days. In his capacity as Head of StateHead of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
he must, on July 28 of each year, give an accounting of the nation's progress up to this date. This Peruvian custom was brought by José de San Martín
José de San Martín
José Francisco de San Martín, known simply as Don José de San Martín , was an Argentine general and the prime leader of the southern part of South America's successful struggle for independence from Spain.Born in Yapeyú, Corrientes , he left his mother country at the...
.
Te Deum Mass
On the morning of July 28, the Archbishop of Lima celebrates the Mass of Te DeumTe Deum
The Te Deum is an early Christian hymn of praise. The title is taken from its opening Latin words, Te Deum laudamus, rendered literally as "Thee, O God, we praise"....
as mandated by the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. Originally the Mass was celebrated on July 29 but it was changed afterwards. The major dignitaries, including the President, attend.
The mass officially begins at 9:00 A.M.
Invitation of the President of the Republic
On the morning of July 28 representatives of the Congress of the Republic of Peru go to the Government Palace to invite the President to give the transitional Address to the Nation.The delegation of the Peruvian Legislature can be led by any congressman or by the President of the Congress.
Route to the Congress
Once he has been invited, the President leaves by car headed toward the seat of Congress or, rarely, on foot. The nation's leader will sometimes choose to travel in a closed limousine or in a car with an open roof.It is common on this route for the President's supports to accompany him throw flowers and shouting praises. During the presidency of Alan García Pérez
Alan García Pérez
Alan Gabriel Ludwig García Pérez was the President of Peru, having won the 2006 elections on 4 June 2006 in a run-off against Union for Peru candidate Ollanta Humala. He is the leader of the APRA and the only party member ever to have served as President of Peru. He served a first term as...
the trip was always made in an open car.
Once he arrives at the seat of the legistlature he enters through the Hall of the Lost Footsteps where the Commander in Chief of the military dettachment pays his respects to his high position. Then he enters the main room where he finds the general assembly.
Address to the Nation
Following the introductions, the President begins with his Address to the Nation for the National Holidays giving his accounting of the developments of the state during the year. The President discusses projects economic, social, and cultural achievements as well as others. However, it is not uncommon for these accomplishments to be exaggerated.Return to the Government Palace
Once finished with his address he returns to Government PalaceGovernment Palace (Peru)
The Government Palace of Peru, also known as House of Pizarro, renoved in 1937, was the house of the Peruvian government headquarters and was built over a huge Indian burying ground Waka that had a shrine of Indian chief Taulichusco. It has been through many alterations...
(commonly referred to as the House of Pizarro) to continue with other official ceremonies.
July 29
On July 29, most celebrations are carried out in the morning although the formal celebrations are in the afternoon.The Great Military Parade
In this ceremony the Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police participate in a grand procession. Decorations are placed throughout the main streets with patriotic colors.During the ceremony representatives of the three branches as well as the National Police as well as other invitees for a parade. Every military institution is represented. During this ceremony almost all of Peru's weaponry is on display although the most key pieces are not shown as a matter of Defense policy. The military staff on display is minimal.