Andina

Peru: Arequipa to welcome over 100,000 visitors on 477th anniversary

Más de 2,000 danzarines participan en pasacalle por el 473 aniversario de Arequipa. Foto: ANDINA/Rocío Méndez.

Más de 2,000 danzarines participan en pasacalle por el 473 aniversario de Arequipa. Foto: ANDINA/Rocío Méndez.

15:22 | Arequipa (Arequipa region), Aug. 11.

More than 100,000 domestic and international tourists are expected to flock to Peru's southern Arequipa city and join its 477th foundation anniversary celebrations, province Mayor Alfredo Zegarra projected on Friday.

Arequipa —whose historical center is part of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list— has thus prepared over 150 celebratory activities for the whole month. 


The idea is for tourists to enjoy the city's many cultural and natural attractions while "indulging in its cuisine full of flavors and history, feeling at home thanks to Arequipeans' great warmth and hospitality," Zegarra told Andina news agency.


The program

Anniversary activities include official events on August 14, such as the Solemn Session at the Municipal Theater in the presence of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, State Ministers and Congress legislators.


The traditional Serenade to the City of Arequipa will round off the day. 

On August 15, over 500,000 people will fill Arequipa's streets with dances and music for the Friendship Parade.

August 16 will mark the beginning of the 35th International Folk Dances Festival "Festidanza 2017," gathering dancers from 15 countries.


The program also includes the first International Folklore Congress, featuring delegations from countries like Argentina, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Lithuania, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, South Africa and Turkey. 

(END) LZD/MAO/DHT/MVB

Published: 8/11/2017