Fiestas Patrias (Peru)
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The , or
Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = Seal (emblem), National seal , national_motto = "Fi ...
vian National Holidays, are celebrations of Peru's independence from the
Spanish Empire The Spanish Empire ( es, link=no, Imperio español), also known as the Hispanic Monarchy ( es, link=no, Monarquía Hispánica) or the Catholic Monarchy ( es, link=no, Monarquía Católica) was a colonial empire governed by Spain and its prede ...
. They officially consist of two days: *July 28, in commemoration of Peru's Independence won by
José de San Martín José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras (25 February 177817 August 1850), known simply as José de San Martín () or '' the Liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru'', was an Argentine general and the primary leader of the southern and cent ...
. *July 29, in honor of the
Armed Forces A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. It is typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with its members identifiable by their distinct ...
and the National Police of Peru. The celebration of in
Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = Seal (emblem), National seal , national_motto = "Fi ...
coincides with the vacation periods for the local schools as well as some businesses. The first celebration starts on July 25, on St. James’ Day in Arequipa with the Feast of St. James. Along with
Christmas Christmas is an annual festival commemorating Nativity of Jesus, the birth of Jesus, Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people Observance of Christmas by country, around t ...
, 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 Martín José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras (25 February 177817 August 1850), known simply as José de San Martín () or '' the Liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru'', was an Argentine general and the primary leader of the southern and cent ...
, 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 independence.


Use of the flag

During the whole month of July, homes, office buildings, public and private institutions, schools, and restaurants display the
national flag A national flag is a flag that represents and symbolizes a given nation. It is flown by the government of that nation, but usually can also be flown by its citizens. A national flag is typically designed with specific meanings for its colours ...
. It is obligatory and it is rare to see any of these places without a flag.


Regarding the President

The
President of Peru The president of Peru ( es, link=no, presidente del Perú), officially called the president of the Republic of Peru ( es, link=no, presidente de la República del Perú), is the head of state and head of government of Peru. The president is th ...
fulfills one of his major obligations during these days. In his capacity as
Head of State A head of state (or chief of state) is the public persona who officially embodies a state Foakes, pp. 110–11 " he head of statebeing an embodiment of the State itself or representatitve of its international persona." in its unity and l ...
he must, on July 28 of each year, give an accounting of the nation's progress up to this date. This Peruvian custom was established by
José de San Martín José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras (25 February 177817 August 1850), known simply as José de San Martín () or '' the Liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru'', was an Argentine general and the primary leader of the southern and cent ...
.


''Te Deum'' Mass

On the morning of July 28, the
Archbishop of Lima The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lima ( la, Archidioecesis Limana) is part of the Roman Catholic Church in Peru which enjoys full communion with the Holy See. The Archdiocese was founded as the Diocese of Lima on 14 May 1541. The diocese was r ...
celebrates the
Mass Mass is an intrinsic property of a body. It was traditionally believed to be related to the quantity of matter in a physical body, until the discovery of the atom and particle physics. It was found that different atoms and different elementar ...
of the ''
Te Deum The "Te Deum" (, ; from its incipit, , ) is a Latin Christian hymn traditionally ascribed to AD 387 authorship, but with antecedents that place it much earlier. It is central to the Ambrosian hymnal, which spread throughout the Latin Ch ...
'' as mandated by the
Catholic Church The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
. Originally, the Mass was celebrated on July 29 but was later changed to its present date. The President, other government officials, and ranking dignitaries attend the service. 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 President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) *President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Automobiles * Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ful ...
to give the traditional 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 supporter's to accompany him throwing flowers and shouting praises. During the presidency of
Alan García Pérez Alan may refer to: People *Alan (surname), an English and Turkish surname * Alan (given name), an English given name **List of people with given name Alan ''Following are people commonly referred to solely by "Alan" or by a homonymous name.'' *A ...
the trip was always made in an open car. Once he arrives at the seat of the legislature he enters through the Hall of the Lost Footsteps where the Commander in Chief of the military detachment pays his respects to his high position. The President then 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 developments in projects economical, 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 the President returns to Government Palace (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.


Oath of the President (if newly elected)

If a new President has been elected it is the day of July 28 on which he assumes his duties. It is also his first Address to the Nation.


See also

*
Public holidays in Peru The following is a list of public holidays in Peru. Former holidays References {{South America in topic, Public holidays in Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.s ...
* Fiestas Patrias (disambiguation)


References

{{reflist Public holidays in Peru July observances