New Haven’s Peruvians Raise Independence Flag

On a stormy Sunday afternoon, members of the Peruvian American Association of New Haven gathered with family and political leaders on the green to raise the Peruvian flag to celebrate the country’s independence.

Las Fiestas Patrias Peruanas, or the Peruvian National Holidays, commemorate Peru’s liberation from the Spanish empire on July 28, 1821, and the establishment of the Republic of Perú on the 29th. This year marked the 199th anniversary of Perú’s independence.

“Usually we have dancing, food trucks, and about 200 or 300 people who come out to celebrate,” said Alberto Bustos, the moderator of the event. When there’s not a pandemic.

Despite the rainy forecast and the challenges of gathering during a pandemic, around 30 people were able to meet for an hour in the center of the city to watch as the bright red-and-white flag was hoisted into the sky.

After the flag had been lifted into the air by two members of the parks department as the Peruvian National Anthem floated across the Green, Bustos announced a moment of silence for the victims of Covid-19 and their families.

“Even if it’s not a lot of people, it’s a chance to really come together and to remember,” said Alejandra Rodriguez, whose brother is an active member of the association. ​“I think it was kind of New Haven to allow us to have this celebration.”

“I don’t feel as though the Peruvian community is represented in New Haven. It’s the fault of both sides,” she said, suggesting that local officials should work to create more opportunities and initiatives for Peruvians within New Haven.

According to Bustos, the Peruvian American Association itself mainly focuses on ​“promoting folklore, Peruvian values, and education.” The Peruvian National Holidays make up the biggest event of the year for the organization, and the greatest opportunity to draw attention to and celebrate the 2,000-plus Peruvian-Americans who live in the city.

The association arranged to have the event video-recorded so those at home could watch via Zoom.

Mariana González of Avon said that she went to one other event ​‚in Stamford on July 28. ​“Everything else has been limited to Zoom,” she said.

She brought her daughter to New Haven Sunday to see their cousin, Minister José Eduardo González of the General Consulate of Péru in Hartford, the first invited guest to speak.

In his remarks, Consul González highlighted the significance of maintaining the tradition each year, describing it as a reminder of hope, faith, and life, even, or especially, during difficult times.

Mayor Justin Elicker also came out to participate in the celebration. He told the audience that before he had even felt the rain start to fall at the event, a member of the association had covered him with an umbrella. ​“That moment represents the people of Péru,” he said in Spanish, describing the community as kind and extremely hardworking.

He further stated that New Haven is a city that strives to be ​“welcoming to all,” stressing the importance of creating spaces where all people are seen and respected, regardless of race, socioeconomic background, or immigration status.

State Rep. Geraldo Reyes of Waterbury, himself of Puerto Rican heritage, echoed the comments of other speakers while making a plea for unity across the broader Hispanic community.

Maximo Romero, the secretary of the Peruvian American Association, spoke out about the importance of voting and of Hispanic political representation in the coming elections.

Romero encouraged everyone listening to fill out the U.S. census form, saying there is nothing to fear, regardless of their citizenship status. He explained that those numbers determine the resources granted to local communities which include Peruvian Americans and other Hispanics.

He added that, to him, independence means ​“la libertad para soñar,” or the freedom to dream.

At the end of the speeches, the crowd shouted ​“Viva Perú! Vivan los Estados Unidos de América!” as La Marcha De Banderas played.

Bustos noted that next year will be the bicentennial of Péru’s independence. ​“That will be a really big party!” he exclaimed.