The Peruvian Association of Northern Colorado, or PNC, was established in 2000 by a small group of Peruvian individuals who shared a common interest in spreading their culture.
PNC organized its first annual festival that year to celebrate the anniversary of Peru’s independence.
In the years following the Napoleonic Invasion of Spain in 1808, many colonies in Spanish America —- what is now South America —- fought for independence from Spanish rule. During this time, rebellion groups in Peru were overridden by the colony’s Spanish-loyalist oligarchy. General José de San Martín of Argentina helped Peru gain independence in 1821 when he successfully led a military campaign against the Spanish loyalist army. On July 28, 2021, Peru’s independence was declared in Lima.
According to PNC’s coordinator, Eulogio Ventura, the festival was attended by few people in its early years. This year, Ventura expects between 700 and 1,000 people.
Ventura said he feels good about the festival’s progress. “Every year we have more people and (the festival) gets bigger,” he said.
The event is not exclusive to people from Peru. “Everyone is invited to witness our Peruvian culture, our food and customs and dances,” Ventura said.
Ruth Zacarias-Chihuan, Ventura’s daughter, is in charge of several logistical facets of the festival, including the food. She said the festival this year will feature approximately six Peruvian food vendors as well as a Peruvian soda stand.
“The most important (thing) for us is that people get to know our culture,” Zacarias-Chihuan said, “and our food ... so that people enjoy the festival.”
Ventura said a goal of the festival is to bring Peruvians together in support of their compatriots who have recently moved to the United States.
The 2021 Peruvian Festival will celebrate the 200th year anniversary of Peru’s Independence. The festival will run from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on July 25 at Sandstone Ranch Park in Longmont. Attendees can expect traditional Peruvian cuisine, live music and dancing, and fútbol tournaments for adults and children.
