Peru National Day

Peru National Day

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  1. 1821Independence proclaimed by San Martín
  2. 1824Battle of Ayacucho secured independence
  3. 1821Fiestas Patrias began

The story behind the day

Peru celebrates Fiestas Patrias on 28 July, marking José de San Martín's proclamation of independence in Lima in 1821. The following day, 29 July, honours the armed forces and police.

The holiday is one of Peru's biggest annual moments, combining state ceremony, military parade, food, travel and regional pride.

Lima is the official centre, but the celebrations stretch from the coast to the Andes and Amazon. Flags fly from homes, restaurants serve patriotic menus and families travel during the long holiday.

  1. 202628 July 2026 · Tuesday
  2. 202728 July 2027 · Wednesday
  3. 202828 July 2028 · Friday
The flag
Peru flag

The Peruvian flag has red-white-red vertical bands, with the coat of arms on the state flag. Red is commonly associated with sacrifice and white with peace, while the coat of arms shows vicuña, cinchona tree and cornucopia.

Peruvian independence food is from the world's most celebrated kitchen — ceviche, lomo saltado and anticuchos define a cuisine that has made Lima the gastronomic capital of Latin America.

What to eat

CevicheRaw fish cured in lime juice with red onion, chilli and coriander — Peru's most famous dish and its UNESCO-listed national treasure.
Lomo saltadoStir-fried beef strips with tomato, onion and chilli served with rice and chips — Chifa Chinese-Peruvian fusion at its finest.
AnticuchosSkewered marinated beef heart grilled over coals — the Afro-Peruvian street food tradition, eaten at every Independence Day celebration.
Ají de gallinaShredded chicken in a rich yellow chilli and bread sauce — Lima's most beloved comfort dish.
Causa limeñaLayered yellow potato terrine with tuna or chicken and avocado — an elegant Peruvian cold dish.
PicaronesFried sweet potato and squash doughnuts drizzled with chancaca syrup — the street dessert of Lima's festivals.

What to drink

Pisco sourPisco grape brandy with lime juice, egg white and Angostura — Peru's national cocktail and the pride of Lima's bar scene.
Chicha moradaPurple corn drink spiced with cinnamon and cloves — Peru's most traditional non-alcoholic beverage.
Inca KolaPeru's fluorescent yellow bubblegum soda — the only country where a local cola outsells Coca-Cola.
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Culture on National Day

Peru is home to the Inca Empire's greatest monuments, a pre-Columbian tradition thousands of years deep, and Lima's extraordinary contemporary food, art and music scene.

Machu PicchuThe Inca citadel above the Sacred Valley — one of the world's most dramatic archaeological sites and Peru's defining image.
Lima food sceneLima has more restaurants in the World's 50 Best than any other Latin American city — Central, Maido and Astrid y Gastón are globally ranked.
Inti RaymiThe Festival of the Sun in Cusco on 24 June — a massive Inca ceremony re-enacted annually with thousands of participants.
Independence Day paradeLima's military parade on 29 July down the Paseo Cívico — the formal centrepiece of Peruvian independence celebrations.