Peruvians in Northeast Ohio will celebrate their country’s Fiestas Patrias – or National Holidays – this weekend with food, drinks, music and dancing. 

Fiestas Patrias are a two-day celebration on July 27 and 28, where Peruvians celebrate independence day and pay tribute to their military and the National Police of Peru. 

On July 28, 1821, Peru became independent from Spain. José de San Martín, an Argentinian politician and military commander who helped liberate Peru, proclaimed the country’s independence in a speech at the Plaza de Armas in Lima, Peru. 

In Peru, celebrations include a military parade, a Catholic mass at the Cathedral of Lima, and festivals with music, food and traditional dances. 

That’s the culture Roberto Pinedo and George Neyra aim to highlight through similar festivities in Cleveland as they help plan two of several Peruvian National Holidays celebrations this weekend. 

Staying connected to culture

Pinedo, development chair of the Peruvian Cultural Association of Northeast Ohio, said it’s important for immigrants to stay connected to their culture. The association is hosting a picnic on Sunday with Peruvian food and drinks.

Peruvians who emigrate to the U.S. can sometimes not return to their homeland for several years, depending on how long their immigration process takes, Pinedo said. 

He believes immigrants should respect American values and culture, and be grateful that the U.S. has welcomed them. But that doesn’t mean people should forget their roots, he said.  

The more time he spends in the U.S., the more he misses Peruvian culture and his family. 

“I want to feel connected,” he said. “How do I connect to Peruvian culture? Going out to dance, listening to music that reminds me of home. But … it’s more than just dance. It’s something that touches your spirit, your heart.” 

Celebrating through dance

George and Claire Neyra are siblings who dance and perform together. The pair will perform a few dances at a cultural festival on Saturday. George Neyra, who is directing all artistic aspects for the event, said Peruvian singers are visiting Cleveland to perform at the event. 

He and his sister will demonstrate a salsa routine, combining acrobatics with dance and sharing through the choreography some of the Afro-Peruvian roots of the music. He and his sister will also perform with five other dancers — three Americans, one from Trinidad and Tobago, and another Peruvian dancer. 

The Neyras moved to Cleveland about a year and a half ago from Lima, Peru. George said it’s especially important for him to celebrate his culture and roots now that he’s away. 

He wants those who attend the festival to feel like they’re in Peru through art, music and food. 

“The idea is to brighten all the hearts of the people,” George Neyra said. “For them to smile, to have fun, to laugh, to dance.”

Peruvian National Holidays events