About the event
The holiday is one of Peru's biggest annual moments, combining state ceremony, military parade, food, travel and regional pride. Peru celebrates Fiestas Patrias on 28 July, marking José de San Martín's proclamation of independence in Lima in 1821.
The Inca citadel above the Sacred Valley — one of the world's most dramatic archaeological sites and Peru's defining image.
Why this 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.
Timeline
- 1821Independence proclaimed by San Martín
- 1824Battle of Ayacucho secured independence
- 1821Fiestas Patrias began
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 27 Jul, check-out 29 Jul 2027 — 2 nights around 28 July 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in LimaGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalLima
- Time zonePET (UTC-5)
Host country
- Currency: Peruvian sol
- Language: Aymara, Quechua
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Lima
- Phone: +51
- Emergency: 105
- Electricity: 220 V, 60 Hz, plugs A/B/C
What to eat
Raw fish cured in lime juice with red onion, chilli and coriander — Peru's most famous dish and its UNESCO-listed national treasure.
Stir-fried beef strips with tomato, onion and chilli served with rice and chips — Chifa Chinese-Peruvian fusion at its finest.
Skewered marinated beef heart grilled over coals — the Afro-Peruvian street food tradition, eaten at every Independence Day celebration.
Shredded chicken in a rich yellow chilli and bread sauce — Lima's most beloved comfort dish.
Layered yellow potato terrine with tuna or chicken and avocado — an elegant Peruvian cold dish.
Fried sweet potato and squash doughnuts drizzled with chancaca syrup — the street dessert of Lima's festivals.
What to drink
Pisco grape brandy with lime juice, egg white and Angostura — Peru's national cocktail and the pride of Lima's bar scene.
Purple corn drink spiced with cinnamon and cloves — Peru's most traditional non-alcoholic beverage.
Peru's fluorescent yellow bubblegum soda — the only country where a local cola outsells Coca-Cola.
Culture & traditions
The Inca citadel above the Sacred Valley — one of the world's most dramatic archaeological sites and Peru's defining image.
Lima has more restaurants in the World's 50 Best than any other Latin American city — Central, Maido and Astrid y Gastón are globally ranked.
The Festival of the Sun in Cusco on 24 June — a massive Inca ceremony re-enacted annually with thousands of participants.
Lima's military parade on 29 July down the Paseo Cívico — the formal centrepiece of Peruvian independence celebrations.
Coming years
Peru National Day 2028
- Friday 28 July 2028Next event date
Peru National Day 2029
- Saturday 28 July 2029Event date
Peru National Day 2030
- Sunday 28 July 2030Event date