Fiestas Patrias

Next Saturday, the 28th July is Independence Day in Peru. And because there will be no language school for two weeks we had an activity today teaching us about the Peruvian Day of Independence which is also called Fiestas Patrias.  

On the 28th, Peru celebrates its independence from the Spanish Empire which was won by General Jose de San Martin in 1821.

The 29th July is also celebrated too, this is in honour of the armed forces and the National Police of Peru (one interesting fact about the police that I have picked up here, is that most of them are women - interesting). 

Today we were given a presentation about the war of independence and told about all the different aspects of Peru, the music (one interesting thing I learnt here was that the song El Condor Pasa originates from Peru - have always known the tune but never the name of it or where it came from).Click on the link to hear the song and see some beautiful pictures of Peru El Condor Pasa.

We were also told about the different foods - have eaten most of them, except for one which is Anticuchos. And the reason why I have not eaten that and am not sure I ever will is because it is the heart of a cow. I like to embrace the culture, but somethings I have to draw the line at.  

And we also got to taste one of the famous drinks of Peru which is Pisco Sour. The name is a mixture of the Quecha word Pisco which means Bird and the term Sour. It consists of the liquor called Pisco, lime or lemon juice, ice, egg white and Angostura bitters. It is all mixed in a blender served with some cinnamon on top. It is usually drank as as an aperitif after a meal, and is actually quite tasty (only had it once mind!)

Edgar making the pisco sour and Pedro watching on

We all also sang the national anthem, though I got very confused at this as they seemed to be repeat lines and I was on another line when others where still on the line above. But it was fantastic actually seeing and hearing the Peruvians sing their own national anthem - they put their heart and soul into it and seem to actually mean what they are singing. And while they are singing their left hand is over their heart. 

All singing the National Anthem

To hear the National Anthem please click here

Coming up to Independence Day it is easy to see that the Peruvians are proud to be from Peru and are their heritage is very important to them. Most people are wearing a red and white ribbon and the shops have them on their walls and the Plaza de Armas is decorated as well. 

Decorated for Independence Day

Am looking forward to seeing more celebrations over the week and next weekend as well.