The Grand Military Parade is one of the most anticipated activities by millions of Peruvians during the Patriotic Celebrations for the Independence of Peru. This event, which has more than 100 years of existence, has gone through different scenarios and now enjoys great popularity among Peruvians. What were its origins?
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Currently, this event takes place along the 40 blocks of Avenida Brasil, which crosses the districts of Lima, Breña, Jesús María, Pueblo Libre, and Magdalena del Mar. Authorities set up stands on the sides for the observation of the parade of the Armed Forces and the National Police of Peru (PNP).
Grand Military Parade: What is the origin of this event?
According to the historian Segundo Gálvez, the Grand Military Parade has been taking place since the proclamation of Independence on July 28, 1821. Its beginnings took place in the Plaza Mayor de Lima and involved six infantry battalions and two cavalry squadrons stationed in the Peruvian capital.
Grand Military Parade at Campo Marte. Photo: El Peruano. "There is an identification between the State (Government) and the Armed Forces. The idea is portrayed that they are institutions that protect the government and are there to safeguard it from any deviation," said historian Antonio Zapata on TV Peru about the Military Parade of the Armed Forces.
During the celebrations for the centenary of independence, during the tenure of Augusto B. Leguía, the military parade was moved to Plaza Bolívar and continued to be celebrated on July 28. However, in 2195 it returned to Plaza de Armas and in 1939 it was moved to Campo de Marte where it remained until 1960.
In 1960, the tedeum started to be celebrated on July 28 and the parade on July 29. In 1961, the event moved to Avenida Brasil and became a traditional place where thousands of Peruvians attend to see the best of the country's military and police forces.
In what other places was the Grand Military Parade held?
Although Avenida Brasil was the traditional location, in some years it was changed for different reasons. Here is the list of locations from 1984 to 2022.
- 1984: Plaza Grau, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Miguel Grau Seminario.
- 1986 - 1989: Plaza de Armas de Lima.
- 1990 - 1992: Campo de Marte.
- 2022: Campo de Marte.
- 1986 - 1989: Plaza de Armas de Lima.
On the other hand, this military parade was held behind closed doors during the years 2020 to 2022 due to the health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic.