Peru Independence Day
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by James Bustamante
The locals in Peru love celebrations; one of the country’s most important festivities is, of course, Peru Independence Day.
Several festivities happen during the two-day-long functions, which include dancing, food, drink, parties, and much more. Check out the Information below on Peruvian Independence Day festivities, also known as Fiestas Patrias!
Peru Independence History
Peru Independence Day takes place on July 28th. The special date commemorates the liberation of Peru from the country of Spain with the help of José de San Martin, known as the most famous liberator of Latin America, along with Simón Bolívar.
July 29th celebrates the establishment of Peru as a Republic. These days together are called Las Fiestas Patrias and are by far the most important national holidays in Peru.
During the Peruvian Independence Day, the Plaza de Armas in cities nationwide will be full of festivities, parties, dancing, culture, and excitement.
If you plan to travel to Peru for the “fiestas Patrias,” take the intelligent approach and try to book hotels and other reservations as far ahead as possible for these dates.
As you might suspect, bookings will fill up quickly, and prices will skyrocket as the Peru Fiestas Patrias get closer.
So, if you plan to take a Machu Picchu hike on or around these dates, make sure to have them booked as soon as possible.
Traveler’s Tip: Government offices and all banks will most likely be closed or close early. If you have any pressing business with any of these entities, make sure you get it done a few days before.
Fiestas Patrias Celebration
As we ramp up to the big day, many streets in various districts will be filled with Peruvian “Musica Criolla” and you will see the Peruvian flag proudly waving from every building in sight.
These showings of Peruvian pride happen from Lima to Machu Picchu, Trujillo, Arequipa, and many more destinations. Let’s focus on Lima for a second. In the city, the official celebration starts before Peru’s Independence Day and takes place in Parque de la Muralla.
Locals and travelers attending the celebrations will experience a wide range of Peruvian music and dances based on traditional folkloric and Afro-Peruvian songs. There is, of course, an official fireworks show set to begin at midnight; there are also several unofficial fireworks displays taking place throughout the city.
Lastly, there is also a fantastic 3-D light show at the Fantasia Fountain in Centro De Lima.
Traveler’s Tip: If you are looking to travel in or around these festivities and are interested in a Peru Tour Package, make sure to contact us at least 60 days before travel.
Our travel advisers are ready to put together the best trip for your group; the trip can include Lima, Cusco, The Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, and many more destinations.
During Peruvian Independence Day, the official main event is kicked off with a presidential speech; we then have a military parade.
This is given at the Plaza De Armas and covers some basic information, like going over the state of the nation and the progress made during the current and preceding year, which is followed by a “Te Deum” mass led by the Archbishop of Lima.
If these festivities take place in an election year, the new president would be sworn in and will formally assume all duties as leader of the nation. We’re sure you aren’t thinking of visiting Peru during Independence Day for the politics, so rest assured you will be entertained with pretty much every plaza in the nation holding traditional dances and music and serving a wide variety of both food and drinks.
Peru has been the top culinary destination in the world for several years now, so make sure to check the food carts and vendors on the streets or visit some of the more iconic Peruvian restaurants. Some of the local dishes include anticuchos, papas rellenas, chicharrón and ceviche.
Peruvian Independence Day is Not Just in Lima
Arequipa, once the capital of Peru itself (A very long time ago), will generally try to outdo Lima; they are, after all, rivals in just about everything.
Arequipa even printed their passports for a while (unofficial, of course). The White City is a great place to spend the holidays for a variety of reasons.
Arequipa is considered the epicenter of Criollo culture and was the original home of the Independence movement against the Spanish empire. At the same time, Lima remained relatively loyal to Spain until the time of liberation.
The following morning will be the beginning of Peru’s Grand Military Parade day, and, just like the name implies, it is focused on military parades and various celebrations of Peruvian war victories.
The main event and the official end of Peruvian Fiestas Patrias is the Grand Military Parade, which heads down Brazil Avenue from Magdalena del Mar to the center of Lima.
Representatives from all around the country as part of the Peru armed forces are present. You’ll see planes, helicopters, as well as artillery and tanks.
Some members of the elite special forces squadrons will also be there(some train in the Amazon to combat domestic terrorism). Some of the other members include ceremonial guards as well as indigenous self-defense militias.
In the more rural areas of large cities, there are other vast celebrations with many styles of traditional song and dance.
These will include variations from all three regions of the country: the Coast, the Highland, and the Amazon regions.
Wherever you decide to find yourself in the country during the Peru Independence Day celebrations, you are sure to have a fantastic experience.
It will be full of traditional music, fancy fireworks, local food, and a lot to drink; just be sure to plan and make your Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu reservations far in advance.
The best way to find events and Machu Picchu tours in Peru on Independence Day or any other time is through a specialized Machu Picchu travel agency such as Journey Machu Picchu. Through us, you can book events and activities with locals since we are Peru-based.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peruvian Independence Day Celebrations
When is Peruvian Independence Day?
Peru Independence day is on July 28 and is also celebrated on the 29th.
When did Peru become independent?
The year of Peruvian Independence was 1821.
Are there celebrations on Peruvian Independence day?
Yes. There are celebrations all around the country in all 3 regions.
Can I book a trip for Peruvian Fiestas Patrias?
Yes you can book trips and tours for these special dates, however you would have to book it all far in advance to avoid high prices.
Is everything closed on July 28th and 29th?
Most banks, markets and government buildings will remain closed, some restaurants and bars will make it a point to stay open though. Peruvians love food and parties.
Will there be domestic flights during Peruvian Independence celebrations?Yes domestic airlines will be operating throughout the country.
Which would be the best place to see the fireworks show?
Most districts will have some kind of fireworks show, there is a preference for the center of Lima or Miraflores near the ocean.
How old is Peru as a republic?
On July 28th, 2020 Peru will celebrate its 199th year as a nation.
