Fiestas Patrias

July 28th is the day Peruvians celebrate their independence from Spain, yet many celebrations have already begun. Independence day is a huge deal in Peru. All businesses must display the Peruvian flag on their building, most places shut down for the week (some even two), and Peruvians take time to vacation with family. It's like our Christmas break, only they get theirs for independence day...you know, it is the middle of winter here. Everywhere I go, there are people selling flags, pins, and other red and white memorabilia. Every school does a march and many put on shows of dances from various regions of Peru. I'm telling you, Peruvians don't take independence day lightly.

Yesterday I went to Manchay to watch the kids do their show for independence day. I know it was a week early, but yesterday was their last day, and now they have two weeks of vacations. Here's a few pictures from the day.

 Traditional Peruvian outfits from the Highlands.

 Teachers of the Pre-K class :)

 Welcome to the jungle.

 Parade...army man carring the flag 

with the President and wife closely following.

 The army and police officials.

 Traditional uniform from the jungle.

 3 & 4 year olds march

 President, wife, and body guards.

 The 3 & 4 year olds performed a traditional dance

from the Highlands.

 Teachers showing off their dance skills

with traditional dances from their terrain.

 Valeria - We connected last year.

It's so fun to come back and see these kids :)

 I painted this :)

 A few pictures to remember

the amazing children

that entered my life 

this month :)