Colors of Lima - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Probably, the main national feature of Lima is Indian nation. Its culture and way of life, craft and colorful ceremonial events attract travelers as much as local landmarks do. However, it is useless to look for true Indians in Lima, as they avoid busy and crowded cities. Those who would like to learn more about aboriginal culture have to go to neighborhoods of the city.

Traveling on city neighborhoods you will notice an interesting feature. The further away from the big city people live, the easier and steadier their lives are. Life of indigenous residents is free of unnecessary hassles. Distance from big cities is making it as simple as possible, but no less interesting. For many Indians the main daily-breader is a river that is associated with major human joys and woes.

Among the local population there are sedentary and nomadic tribes of Indians, the latest are much more common. In search of food people have to change their place of residence constantly. In a few months they can travel great distances. It is worth noting that Indians treat foreign travelers with interest; they are easy to get in touch. They are proud of their culture, and curiosity of travelers is the highest praise and an occasion for pride. So, Indians dressed in the traditional attire of straw gladly allow tourist to be photographed. However, you certainly need to thank for that favor. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Anything fits as gratitude. It may be a souvenir, cigarettes or alcohol from a mainland. The behavior of Indians living near the city is a little bit different. They pre-warn tourists that photography and video shooting are paid services, and you can only thank them with monetary compensation.

The most common mean of income for nomadic tribes is production of souvenirs and handicrafts. Even children contribute to the family budget; from an early age they learn to make attractive ornaments, amulets and talismans. Tubes that are used for firing needles are very popular among tourists. Literally any local resident can teach tourists this craft. Culinary traditions of indigenous people are also very interesting. As noted above, a major source of food is river. Fish cooked on an open fire is a favorite treat of both adults and children.

Holidays and festivals in the capital of Peru are no less colorful than its people. One of the brightest festivals lasts ten days in January, starting in the middle of the month. This is about the Fundación de Lima timed to the city's founding on January 18, 1535. Francisco Pizarro once stuck a pike in the place where the city would be founded, thereby marking the start of its history. Just before the holiday, in the central streets of Lima, you can watch Creole dances and hear folk music, try traditional local food, as well as enjoy the colorful spectacle - amazing fireworks.

No less remarkable is a carnival taking place in the capital of Peru in mid-February or the end of the month, just before Lent. The venues for the colorful processions are the central streets of the city, not a single carnival can do without public festivities. Its tradition appeared in the 20s of the last century, and the peculiarity of the event distinguishing it from other similar European and Latin American holidays lies in the fact that its participants throw paint or pour cold water on each other. Given the above, it's preferable for tourists to go out in clothes they are not afraid to spoil on this day.

A national holiday and an official day off is Día del Trabajo, which is traditionally celebrated on May 1. At this time, the capital of Peru hosts colorful labor union parades, art exhibitions, and fairs. On the main streets, you can hear traditional Creole songs and dance to fiery folk music thus getting closer to the local culture. Another official day-off is the Fiestas Patrias, which takes place on July 28 to mark the anniversary of the independence of Peru (which happened in 1821). School and military parades, sports, theatrical shows, dance performances, and music concerts are just a small part of the wider festive program.

A visit to Peru's capital in October and November is a great opportunity to experience the rich local culture. Firstly, the Feria Taurina del Señor de los Milagros opens on Sundays to present performances of Spanish and Latin American bullfighters. Secondly, at the end of October, a colorful religious procession is held to mark the Festividad del Señor de los Milagros. Plaza Mayor is the endpoint of the parade where the march is greeted by the head of state, the mayor, and the archbishop, who give parting words to participants and visitors. The event is never complete without local food tastings. Thirdly, at the end of October, they hold Día de la Canción Criolla, during which one can listen to beautiful Creole songs from the best performers of the country.