How is Independence Day Celebrated in Colombia, Peru and Argentina?

July is a month when several countries across the Americas celebrate their independence, after 200 years of declaring their freedom from Spain, Portugal or England. The first to accomplish it was the United States on July 4th, 1776; followed by Colombia on July 20th, 1810; Venezuela on July 5th, 1811; Argentina on July 9th, 1816; Peru on July 28th, 1821; Canada on July 1st, 1867; and Bahamas, much recently, on July 10th, 1973. Beyond the historical data, it is interesting to know how this festivity is celebrated in each country, and what typical dishes are prepared.

Colombian Independence Day

Colombian independence day was declared on July 20th, 1810, but it really started with a process of several rebellions in different parts of the country, which concluded almost a decade later. Finally, the Congress of the United States of Colombia established this date as the anniversary of becoming independent from Spain. The celebrations usually include military parades, a great national concert, artistic activities -like dance, music and theater- and others that assert the cultural diversity in the country, which includes original people and descendants of Africans.

Some typical dishes in Colombia are “empanadas” (meat pies made with corn dough, filled with meat or chicken, which can be mixed with cheese, potato or rice); “arepas” (a kind of corn bread with diverse fillings); and the “bandeja paisa” which, among other things, contains rice, “chicharron” (pork rinds), meat, fried plantains, “chorizo” and eggs. But the gastronomy goes beyond and it varies by regions within the country. The food is a great way to celebrate Colombia!

Argentina Independence Day

The independence process in Argentina started in May 1810, when the first Argentinian government was proclaimed, but then it was delayed until July 9th, 1816 when, during a congress with representatives from all the provinces, the definitive separation from the Spanish monarchy was declared. The Argentina independence day is celebrated with military and school parades, and there are also reunions with music and folk dances.

Since the weather is pretty cold, it is traditional to have hot chocolate, accompanied by “pastelitos” (squares of dough filled with sweets, fried and bathed with syrup) or “churros.” The food includes “empanadas” (wheat dough pies filled with minced meat and onion) and “locro” (a stew prepared with beans, white corn, squash and several meats).

Peru Independence Day

The independence in Peru was proclaimed by General José de San Martín on July 28th, but Peruvians continue the celebrations through July 29th. Both days are considered National Holidays. The first day starts with mass and a presidential speech addressing all citizens. The second day is celebrated with a military parade. It is customary to see the flag in most businesses and homes.

For Peru independence day, people usually have some of their original gastronomy, like “ceviche” (raw fish or shrimp, with lemon, purple onion and green pepper, accompanied with corn and sweet potato); “lomo saltado” (beef tenderloin with onion and red pepper, and french fries); or “causa limeña” (mashed potato pie filled with chicken or tuna fish, with mayo and vegetables, besides black olives and boiled eggs).

So this is an ideal month, not just to learn some Latin American countries’ history, but also to search for the recipes of these dishes and taste the flavors of other cultures. 

If you are interested in knowing more about the Peruvian culture, check this documentary where Luis Robledo travels to Peru and captures his experience with Ayahuasca!