The Great Military Parade is celebrated this time in the framework of the Bicentennial of the Independence of Peru. | Photo: @presidenciaperu

Lima, July 30 (RHC)-- After being suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the president of Peru, Pedro Castillo presided over the celebration this Friday of the Great Military Parade, one of the most acclaimed traditional patriotic celebrations by the people of this country.

Although it did not take place on its original date (July 29) or in the usual place (Brazil Avenue), the Parade was held this July 30th at the Army Headquarters in San Borja, as part of the celebration of the Bicentennial of the Independence of Peru.

According to the authorities, the change is due to the fact that this Thursday, President Castillo carried out the symbolic swearing-in ceremony in Ayacucho.  Together with the Peruvian Head of State, the new Minister of Defense, Walter Ayala, and 60 other guests were present, but there was no public presence due to the sanitary restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis.

The Peruvian National Police and the Armed Forces were in charge of the preparations for the parade and military civic parade of this day.  In addition, they made a statement on the announcement made by the President during his message to the nation on the compulsory military service for those who do not work or study.

The great military parade has been celebrated in Peru since the 19th century, although it began to be held every July 28th.  In 1921, on the occasion of the Centennial of the Independence, the venue was changed to the Bolivar Square of the Congress and four years later, in 1925, it was moved to the Main Square of Lima.

As of 1939, the enormous military parade began to be held on July 29th.  And just as the date changed, with the passage of time the scenario also changed, varying between the Campo de Marte, Brazil Avenue, the aforementioned squares and Miguel Grau Avenue (in 1984, for the sesquicentennial of the birth of the great Peruvian admiral).

It also held sessions in the Plaza Mayor again (in the 80s of the last century, for "security reasons") and the Army Headquarters (in 2000, during the March of the "Cuatro Suyos" against the dictatorship of Alberto Fujimori).