QUICK FACTS

Peruvian territory covers 1,285,216 km2 (496,225 sq mi). Peru borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to
the east, southeast Bolivia and Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

 Population: About 30 million

 Capital: Lima
 Official Language: Spanish and Quechua.
 Currency: Peruvian Soles
 Time: GMT – 5

WHEN TO GO
Peru’s climate has two main seasons: wet and dry. The climate varies according to the region throughout the country.
Peru has 24 cities that have different climates and has three natural regions: The Coast(areas near ocean),
Andes(mountains) and Amazon(jungle).
Peru is very rich in many varieties of things and each of these regions has its own traditions and its own gastronomy.
Examples of particular gastronomic dishes being as followed:

 CAUSAS: Potato dishes come in all manners of scrumptious forms in Peru, but none as well sculptured as these incredible potato
salads, constructed in a rainbow of colors with vegetables, seafood or chicken.
 CUY: The Andes most famous contribution to the world of animal protein: the guinea pig! It's small and flavorful with just the
right amount of fatty crispness. Cusco would be the perfect place to try cuy
 PISCO SOUR: The national drink of Peru, which is a cocktail composed of pisco sour and lime juice.
 CEVICHE: A dish composed of raw seafood , fish or both cooked by the natural acids in lime juice. There are many varieties of
ceviche throughout Peru. It is tasty and great after a couple of drinks.

FESTIVALS IN PERU

Feasts & Festivals in Lima

Peru, a country with numerous feast and festivals

Peru is a country with numerous feast and festivals. Most are dedicated to honor and celebrate saints or important

personalities and unfortunately aren't held in Lima. But still at least once a month you will find a special day to join

a Peruvian feast or festival.

18th of January, Anniversary of Lima

On the 18th of January 1535 Lima was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizzaro. The anniversary is

celebrated on this day with different cultural and artistic festivities. Particularly worth mentioning is the big parade

through Lima called 'pasacalles'. Dancers and artist perform typical folklore dances. Very enjoyable are also the

music concert and folklore shows.

February (first Saturday), National Pisco Sour Day - Dia Nacional del Pisco Sour

Since 2003 Peru's National Drink, the Pisco Sour, has its own day of celebrations. The highlight is a Pisco Sour

Festival including dance performances, concerts, Peruvian food and of course Pisco Sour. Around town tastings,

competitions and parties are held.

February, Carnival

Carnival is celebrated throughout the country and Lima isn't the stronghold of the festivities. But still you will find

some fun during the carnival season with water games and different activities around the city.

Happy Birthay, Lima

National day Pisco Sour

Carnival in Lima
Statue in Surco dedicated to the win harvest

29th of June, Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Saint Peter has been chosen as the fishermen's patron. He is worshiped at the ports and bays of Chorillos and Lurin

in the south of Lima at Saint Peter and Saint Paul day.

27th to 29th of July, Anniversary of Peru - Fiestas de Patrias

Dedicated to the memory of the announcement of independence on the 28th of July 1821 by the liberator Jose de

San Martin. Everywhere in Peru you will find big celebrations and festivities at the anniversary of Peru.

Happy National Day, Peru

30th of August, Saint Rose of Lima - Santa Rosa de Lima

Each year on the 30th of August a big procession to honour Santa Rosa de Lima, the patron saint of Lima, takes

place in Lima. The procession leads to Santa Rosa's hometown Santa Rosa de Quives near Lima. Many thousands

of believers, who worship Santa Rosa de Lima, the church and convent she founded, participate in the festivities

2nd week of September, Gastronimic Fair - "Mistura"

Each year restaurants, farmers and producers from different parts of the country get together to offer a sample of

all Peruvian cuisine. The event is hosted by popular Peruvian chefs and celebrities who are present throughout the

event. A big procession to honour Santa Rosa de Lima, the patron saint of Lima, takes place in Lima. The

procession leads to Santa Rosa's hometown Santa Rosa de Quives near Lima. Many thousands of believers, who

worship Santa Rosa de Lima, the church and convent she founded, participate in the festivities.
 Lima's Gastronomic Fair "Mistura"
Mistura is an annual gastronomic fair that takes place in Lima every year during the second week of September in
which many restaurants, farmers and producers from different parts of the country get together to offer a sample
of all Peruvian cuisine. It also receives the support of popular Peruvian chefs and celebrities who are present
throughout the event and serve as hosts. The first host of the event was Gastón Acurio, who is also the founder of
APEGA (The Peruvian Gastronomic Society). He is one of the most recognized Peruvian chefs and owns several
restaurants as well as businesses, all of which are in the food industry and have the mission to take Peruvian
cuisine to a higher international standard.

Mistura first took place in 2008 and was organized by APEGA and ever since then it has been taking place during
the second week of September. Mistura 2014 gathered about 420000 people over the span of 10 days and had
over 400 food producers participate alongside over 240 food stands representing different restaurants of the
country.

Mistura's primary goal is to promote and educate the people on Peruvian cuisine while also allowing the farmers to
find potential clients both locally and internationally. During the duration of the fair several awards are handed out
to the best restaurants of the country per dish, which vary from high-end restaurants to "Huereques" (street food
stands). Some of the most popular categories include: "Best Ceviche", "Best Pisco Sour" and "Best Pollo a la Brasa"
(which usually draws a good amount of attention as the usual dish goes for around $5 USD, allowing all attendants
to have a taste of Peru's truly best food at an affordable price).
Although it started out as little more than a small gathering of chefs, these days Mistura is comprised of a staff of
over 4000 people and offers products which vary from new blends of Pisco like the "Chocopisco" (which was quite
the uproar in 2011), to a full display of traditionally made chocolates as well as bottled sauces and ingredients
which are not usually available in normal markets. Whether you are a casual tourist or a businessman looking for
new investment opportunities, Mistura is one event that you definitely do not want to miss.
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul Day: A worldwide fiesta
by JU LES on JUNE 29, 2012


 Email
 

St. Peter and St. Paul turned the religious community of their
day upside-down. They were martyred for their bold
proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of this,
Christians worldwide now regard 29 June as Saint Peter’s and
Saint Paul’s Day. The holiday is observed widely in the
Catholic communities with special masses being held in
observance of Peter and Paul’s sacrifice for their faith.
Some of the liveliest celebrations are found in countries such as Chile, Spain, Italy, Malta, Peru, and Venezuela.
Saints Peter and Paul’s Day festivities are as varied as they are spirited. A stunning example of a celebration in a
coastal region is found in Valparaiso, Chile. Fishermen will bring statues of the saints on board their decorated
vessels and have an aquatic parade amid the glow of hundreds of candles. Similar festivities can be found in the
coastal areas of Peru as well.

In the towns of Guatire and Guarenas located in the state of Miranda, Venezuela, St. Peter is paid homage during a
festival known as The Clubbing of San Pedro. It begins on the evening of the 28th with dancing and singing then
continues throughout the 29th with parades and processions, fun and festivities.

Another luminous celebration is held in Malta where, in some areas, they use bonfires to light up the night. Families
enjoy picnics and wine throughout the day in Malta’s largest natural woodland, Buskett Gardens.

Perhaps the most elaborate celebration connected with Saint Peter and Paul’s Day is found in Rome, Italy. The day
begins with a special mass led by the pope. After which, the pope kisses the feet of the statue of St. Peter. Saint Paul
is being honoured across town at the church of his namesake with a festival and street carnival that lasts almost the
entire day. Festivities culminate with the magical Girandola at Saint Angel Castle. Not just an ordinary fireworks
display, this exceptional exhibit began in 1481 with one of the original designers being famed artists, Michelangelo.

While the festivities vary greatly, the sentiment is the same. These celebrations embrace these two apostle’s
steadfastness, loyalty and boldness. In the face of opposition, they remained true to their faith and beliefs. May we all
live our lives so well

 Marinera
 Huayno
 Vals Criollo
 Sikuri
 Scissors Dance
 Festejo
 Chicha or Peruvian Cumbia
PERUVIAN INSTRUMENTS
 Cajon
 Quena
  Charango
 Guitar
 Zampoña
 Quijada
FOLK ART
 Fleeting
 Pottery
 Imagery
 Mates Burilados
 Silverwork
 Textiles
PERUVIAN GASTRONOMY
 Local Cuisine
 Ingredients
 Corn
 Potato
 Pisco

2016 - Wednesday, June 29

 San Pedro y San Pablo - Festivals in Peru
Location: Chorrillos and Lurín (Lima), San José (Lambayeque)
Date: June 29

Together with the communal task of dredging irrigation ditches, highland communities celebrate a veritable water festival.

On the coast, fishing communities have chosen Saint Peter as their patron saint, and render him homage in Lima's fishing districts of
Chorrillos and Lurín, as well as in San José, located 13 km north of the city of Chiclayo. The ceremony is held by the mouth of the
Lambayeque River, where legend has it the founding god Naylamp landed on Peruvian shores. The figure of the saint is borne aloft amidst
burning incense, prayers and hymns down to the sea where it boards a fishing launch and is taken around the bay to bless the waters in the
hope of a good fishing season.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day in Peru falls on June 29th but may be a few days before or after depending on
if the holiday falls on a weekend. This day commemorates the martyrdom of both Saint Peter and Paul.

Celebration\ Observance

People will take the day to reflect on the sacrifices these two apostles made in the name of Christianity. Some
in coastal communities will decorate their boats to praise Saint Peter the fisherman. This day is a national
holiday with most government and
business offices closed

History

Peter and Paul were both imprisoned in Mamertine prison of Rome and that it is believed that Emperor Nero
demanded their deaths. Peter was crucified were Paul would have been beheaded which was a quick death
because he was a Roman citizen.
2016 - Tuesday, Aug 30
Santa Rosa De Lima Day in Peru is always on August 30th each year and commemorates Saint Rose of Lima
who is the patron saint of Peru.

Celebration\ Observance

People celebrate by attending the procession that takes place at the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo
where her remains are down to Lima's Cathedral. Many will also visit the Church of Saint Rose of Lima in honor
of their patron saint.

History

Saint Rose of Lima was born to a Spanish father and her mother was of Indian descent and one of 13 children.
She grew up poor but had a strong devotion to the church. Her devotion and good works were recognized by
the Dominican Order and allowed her to join their Order. Rose would practice some extreme forms of devotion
including wearing a spiked crown around her waist under her clothes. She was recognized for her unusually
strong devotion and later beatified in 1667 making her the first person born in the Americas to be a saint.

Peru Major Holidays:

Select Holiday

The Best Festivals and Celebrations

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 Fiesta de la Cruz (across Peru): The Festival of the Cross isn't as solemnly Catholic as it might
sound. Best in Lima, Cusco, and Ica, the festival does feature cross processions (although the
decorated crosses are vibrant), but it also displays a surfeit of folk music and dance, the
highlight being the daring "scissors dancers," who once performed on top of churches.

 El Señor de los Milagros (Lima): The Artist Once Again Known as Prince would love this highly
religious procession, with tens of thousands of participants all clad in bright purple. The Lord of
Miracles, the largest procession in South America, lasts a full 24 hours. It venerates a miraculous
painting of Jesus Christ, which was created by an Angolan slave and survived the devastating
1746 earthquake, even though almost everything around it was felled.

 Inti Raymi (Cusco): The Festival of the Sun, one of the greatest pageants in South America,
celebrates the winter solstice and honors the Inca sun god with a bounty of colorful Andean
parades, music, and dance. It takes over Cusco and transforms the Sacsayhuamán ruins
overlooking the city into a majestic stage.

 Virgen del Carmen (Paucartambo): The tiny, remote Andean colonial village of Paucartambo is
about 4 hours from Cusco, but it hosts one of Peru's wildest festivals. Its 3 days of dance,
revelry, drinking, and outlandish, scary costumes pack in thousands who camp all over town
(there's almost nowhere to stay) and then wind up (temporarily) at the cemetery.
 Virgen de la Candelaria (Puno): Puno, perhaps the epicenter of Peruvian folklore, imbues its
festivals with a unique vibrancy. Candlemas (or Virgen de la Candelaria), which is spread over 2
weeks, is one of the greatest folk religious festivals in South America, with an explosion of
music, dance, and some of the most fantastic costumes and masks seen anywhere.

 Puno Week (Puno): Puno, the fiesta capital of Peru, rises to the occasion for a full week every
November to mark its Amerindian roots. A huge procession from Lake Titicaca into town
remembers the legend of the first Inca emperor, who emerged from the world's highest
navigable lake to establish the Inca Empire. The procession deviates into dance, music, and
oblivion. Day of the Dead, early in the week, is a joyous celebration that prompts picnics at
cemeteries.