Peru Independence indifference, cocks and bulls

The following images may disturb sensitive folk.


A few images below of the interesting and traditional way I spent Peruvian Independence Day on the 28th of July and subsequent holiday on the 29th.
Known as the Fiesta Patrias Peruanos, these days commemorate Peru's independence from Spain.
The interesting thing about Arequipenos is that they, as a majority, don't consider themselves Peruanos thus Independence Day celebrations go fairly unnoticed. The compulsory flying of the flag through July is a mostly forced affair with fines applying for those who dont show their national pride
So finding some Independence Day activities in this rebel city brought me to a couple of traditional and macho pastimes: the cockfight and Arequipa's own variation of the bullfight or "pelea de toro" (where 2 bulls fight each other rather than a matador as in Spain and other parts of Peru).

Pelea de Gallos


















Pelea de Toro