Ministers of Defense Jakke Valakivi and Justice Gustavo Adrianzen took part in the activities held today on the occasion of the 86th anniversary of Tacna’s return to Peruvian territory.
Activities kicked off with the traditional parade of the Peruvian flag. It was then followed by a tribute paid to women of Tacna, due to their patriotic role during Chilean occupation.
The march, led by Tacna’s Regional Governor Omar Jimenez, saw the participation of the city’s most important civil, military and religious authorities, and members of the distinguished Women Friendly Society of Tacna.
After Peru's defeat in the Pacific War with Chile, Tacna and Arica came under Chilean dominion; but the Treaty of Ancon established that both territories were going to be ruled by Chile for 10 years and after that a plebiscite would determine which countries they were going to belong.
However, the treaty was not fulfilled and occupation lasted 46 years, period in which Chile unsuccessfully tried to turn Tacna-based Peruvians into Chileans at all cost.
Finally, in 1929, an accord was reached. Under the compromise, Chile kept Arica, while Peru reacquired Tacna; this took place on 28 August of the same year.
That day, houses were draped with flags since early hours, and inhabitants wore Peruvian rosettes during the reinstatement ceremony.
(END) LIT/LIT/RMB/MVB
Published: 8/28/2015