¡Viva Perú!

   On this day 192 years ago, Peru was declared an independent nation by General José de San Martín.  Celebrations (mainly in the forms of parades and alcohol consumption) and military parades are taking place throughout the country.  

   This morning, I went to the pueblo joven of Chosica del Norte where I attended mass and then accompanied the youth group with which I help Sarah (my Canadian friend from Centro Esperanza) in a very short parade to be recognized by the community.  Upon leaving the church, we filed out into the dusty street where we stood for quite some time as several short speeches were given by local governmental officials.  I thought the children in traditional clothing were adorable and was proud of those who were representing Centro Esperanza’s groups hoping to bring change to their community through leadership and ending domestic violence.  Besides for the conversations around me, there was not much noise other than the breeze; no honking horns as in Chiclayo, just the hum of traffic on the nearby Pan-American Highway. 

   In Chosica del Norte, as in the Victoria and in my district of the city, Villa Real, Peruvian flags can be seen on nearly every building as it is mandatory by law.  If a flag is not displayed today and tomorrow, the home or business owners will be fined.   

   As a tribute to Peru's independence day, I’m posting some pictures from this day or “typical” Peruvian things as well as creating a list.

Cuy (guinea pig). Marinera.  Papa a la huancaina.  

Huayno.  Peruvian dog.   Inka Kola. 

Loud music.  Ceviche.  

"Youth Group: Agents of Change in Chosica del Norte"

"Promoting good treatment in families of Chosica del Norte"