On July 28th, 198 years after liberation leader José de San Martín occupied Lima, Peru celebrated its National Day, or Fiestas Patrias, to commemorate Peru's independence from colonial Spain. During Fiestas Patrias, you might see Peruvian flags flying outside buildings, festive street parades, live music and traditional dancing. But the festivities don’t end on July 28th! On July 29th, Peruvian armed forces march through the capital in the Gran Parada Militar del Perú, a military parade attended by the President. In 2019 in Salt Lake City, the Peruvian community celebrated with a flag raising ceremony at the Salt Lake Public Safety building. Honorary Consul of Peru David Utrilla welcomed the community with speech after raising the Peruvian flag to fly next to the American and Utah State flags. Audiences enjoyed traditional Peruvian dances and a live violin performance of the Peruvian national anthem. Honorary Consul David Utrilla is the current President of the UCC.