Catching an Important Celebration During Peru Vacations

The 8th October marks an important day in the Peruvian calendar, with most Peruvians not going to work, but instead taking the chance to remember the fallen of the infamous Battle of Angamos, which took place at sea between Peru and Chile on 8 October 1870, and is now marked as a national holiday.

The sinking of the Peruvian vessel, the Huascar, by the Chilean navy was a turning point in the War of the Pacific, and ultimately led to a land attack and eventual defeat of Peruvian and Bolivian allied forces.

As patriotic as Peruvians are, any national holiday is also a good excuse to get together with friends and family, and like other Peruvian holidays, 8 October provides a great opportunity for visitors on a Peru vacation to take part in the celebrations.

Lima’s historical port district of Callao hosts numerous public events every year, including a large official ceremony and naval displays at Callao’s war memorial monument. The day’s events begin around 10:00am and continue on to the early afternoon.

Most events take place in and around Plaza Grau, in La Punta. This lovely, peninsular neighborhood is also a great place to stroll along grassy parks and admire well-preserved architecture, waterfront shops and seafood restaurants.

The port of Callao has been the focal point of much of Peru’s maritime history, and the prominent Peruvian Naval School complex is situated in the nearby suburb of La Punta.

The journey from Miraflores to Callao passes through some slightly risky areas, and therefore the best way to get there is in a taxi. Even then, it is a long ride (up to an hour) and will cost you around 25 soles.

Meanwhile, gatherings of family and friends throughout the capital and the country are taking place, usually involving a glass of their favorite Peruvian beer and a mouthwatering, typical Peruvian dish.

Celebratory times like national holidays are a great way to get involved in Peru’s rich cultural expression and learn about its varied history during your Peru Travel experience. Try to keep in mind the following points in order to make the occasion as enjoyable as possible:

- While ATMs and street money changers are still in operation, banks and other money services will be shut all day, so do be sure to have enough cash on you for the day.
- Public transport, restaurants and hotels will still function as normal, but crowded areas (especially La Punta) will be busier than usual, and you can expect slightly inflated prices and shop lines to buy even the smallest of items.
- Just as you would in any large city event, act accordingly - keep an eye on your belongings, don’t openly display valuables such as cameras or cash, and be wary of pickpockets.

About the Author:
This Peru travel guide was written by a travel-loving expert at Peru For Less, a Peru vacations specialist and member of the Latin America For Less family.