so, all afternoon on the 18th, we had our Fiestas Patrias, and what an event it was! All of Peru seems to start decorating for 28 de julio as soon as julio (July) starts, and the red and white satin decorations, banners, bunting, and flags go up EVERYWHERE. The people in the grocery stores have special outfits, red and white and more traditional, and everywhere you see 'Vive el Peru' and red and white and red and white and red and white!
We had no idea what this program was going to be; we knew that each class was a different part or group of people in Peru's history, but we didn't truly know hwat to expect. We were told that all of our kids would dress up as the people their class was assigned. Okay, great. What I didn't realize until about a week before, is that dressing up means going and renting costumes. This is just expected by the parents and children. After seeing all of the costumes, I've gotta say, I would have loved to get dressed up this way!
The program was a success and exactly what all the Peruvian parents were expecting and wanting; I was glad when it was over! It was a long afternoon with lots of waiting as each class walked to the program site only when it was their turn to perform. So, until it was our turn, everyone was waiting in the Temple (church sanctuary) until we were called out into the bright sunshine (unusual for this time of year) to walk about fifty yards across two patios to the lower patio where the awnings and seating were set up. It was interesting. Especially for Cindy, who was in a wheelchair and without her wonderful Peruvian assistant, Carmen. (Carmen's father was admitted to hospital that morning.) But we survived, and have 200 pictures to show it!
Here is a link to some of them. (Just the best ones)
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| Fiestas Patrias: Independen |
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