Borough Hall celebrates Peruvian Independence Day

The 200th Peruvian Independence Day was celebrated at Queens Borough Hall on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

By Jacob Kaye

A group of Peruvian Americans gathered at Queens Borough Hall alongside several Queens electeds to celebrate Peru’s Bicentennial Independence Day on Wednesday.

The celebration of the country’s 200th Independence Day included a flag ceremony, awards, an offering of Peruvian cuisine and a musical performance by Peruvian singer William Luna.

“Queens congratulates Peru on its 200 years of independence and extends a heartfelt salute to the people of Peru and to all Peruvian Americans on this happy occasion," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. "Our borough is proud to host what will be a wonderful observance of Peru's bicentennial."

Queens is home to one of the largest communities of Peruvian Americans in the United States, according to the American Community Survey.

“The Peruvian people are integral to the diversity that makes Queens home, and I am proud to represent a district full of Peruvian food, art, culture and, of course, neighbors,” said Assemblymember Catalina Cruz.

Wednesday’s celebration marked the first time the country’s independence was celebrated at Queens Borough Hall.

“This event aims to give visibility to our Peruvian community, their contributions and culture not only in Queens or in New York City, but in the United States and around the world,” said Sandro Navarro, the president of the Peruvian Coalition of New York. “Places of power like Queens Borough Hall are symbolic spaces of justice and economic prosperity and we want our Peruvian community to understand that they have access to both, and that we have allies who advocate for our rights as immigrants in this country.”