Peruvian Independence Day!

Today is Peruvian Independence Day. On July 28th, 1821, José de San Martín declared independence from Spain, and ever since then Peru has had a proud but turbulent history. Unfortunately for Limeños, Independence Day falls in the middle of winter, which means gray, wet, and cold weather, hardly an inspiring backdrop for patriotic speeches. Too bad San Martín couldn't have won a couple months earlier or a couple months later.

 Military parade against the gray July skies

Today, the president gives his State of the Union address to talk about the achievements of the past year and planned programs and improvements in the coming year. So far, president Ollanta Humala has made some lofty promises, such as educational reforms and increased investment in education and teacher training, health care coverage for all Peruvians and complete pre-and post-natal coverage for mothers and children, increased efforts to eradicate corruption within the government and police force, and measures to reduce poverty. The promised changes seem very positive, but the sheer scope of his promises seem to set him up to fail. In my opinion, it would have been more prudent to promise less and deliver more, but politicians will be politicians.

I want to believe that positive change is coming for Peru, yet it is hard to be optimistic in light of the corruption and ineptitude of the government in the past three years of this administration, and previous administrations before this. The best ideas aren't worth the paper they are written on if they aren't carried out well. So far, the Peruvian people also seem skeptical of these promises, inspiring tweets such as, "I wish I lived in Ollanta's Peru."

But enough of politics, let's get patriotic! Fiestas Patrias is a time to celebrate what Peru has to offer, and it has much to offer. Aside from its delicious food and famous pisco sours, Peru has a wealth of traditions and cultures that other countries lack. Every region has its own dress, its own music, its own traditions that go back generations. I love the textiles and handicrafts and will never get tired of browsing the markets for pretty things, or watching the Afro-Peruvian dances or the marinera. There is an endless list of things to appreciate about this country, and today I'm proud to say I live here.

The lively and colorful danzas afro

Unfortunately, Jorge can't drink right now (doctor's orders) so he won't be able to join me in raising a glass of Cusqueña beer or a pisco sour, but I know that his sentiments are the same. ¡Viva el Perú!