Marriage and Family

Men usually marry in their late 20s, and women in their early 20s. In rural areas, people tend to marry earlier. Common-law marriages are prevalent and widely accepted, except among the upper classes.

Nuclear families in Peru have, on average, four children. The father is considered the head of the family, while the mother looks after household duties. An increasing number of women work outside the home, especially in urban areas. Rural homes have few of the modern conveniences common in more industrialized nations. There are also large urban neighborhoods that lack utility services.

Eating

Cuisine in Peru varies from region to region. Popular foods include rice, beans, fish, meat, potatoes, maize, sweet potatoes, and a variety of tropical fruits, some of which are not well known outside of Peru. Soups are common, and vegetables are eaten in season. Maize, native to Peru, is the staple for Native Americans. Guinea pig is a traditional dish and is still eaten in some areas. Ceviche (marinated shellfish) is popular on the coast. Potatoes, onions, and garlic are often used in dishes in the highlands. Most food is purchased on a daily basis, either in small corner shops (in cities) or in large open-air markets. Bargaining is common in markets.

It is good manners to eat all the food that is provided, and a tactful explanation is in order when something is left on the plate. Table manners are considered important—both hands (but not elbows) are kept above the table at all times. Meals are occasions for leisurely conversation.

Socializing

Both men and women shake hands when meeting and parting. Close friends often greet each other with a kiss on one cheek. Men may greet close friends with an abrazo (hug). An arm around the shoulder or a pat on the back is a polite way to greet young people. First names are used among friends, but elderly people and officials are referred to by their titles and last names.

Friends and relatives often drop in on one another, but it is more important to make advance arrangements with acquaintances. The traditional welcome, Está en su casa (“You are in your house”), reflects the character of Peruvian hospitality. Refreshments are usually offered, but it is not impolite to decline them. Visitors arriving after 5:30 pm are often invited to stay for Ionche, a light meal around 6 pm. Special acknowledgment of the children in the home is appreciated. Hosts do not expect visitors to bring a gift, but dinner guests often bring flowers or wine.

Recreation

The most popular sport in Peru is soccer. Basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics are also favorites. Other recreational activities include socializing, family picnics, going to the cinema, or watching television. Sunday is a favorite day for outings.

Holidays and Celebrations

National holidays include New Year’s Day (1 January), Easter (Thursday through Sunday), Countryman’s Day (24 June), Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Day (El Día de San Pedro y San Pablo, 29 June), Independence Day (28 July), National Day (29 July), Saint Rose of Lima Day (30 August), Navy Day (8 October), All Saints’ Day (1 November), Immaculate Conception (8 December), and Christmas Day (25 December).

On the Day of Saints Peter and Paul, processions of decorated boats carry images of Saint Peter, who was the patron saint of fishers. Saint Paul is said to have been martyred on the same date. Independence Day commemorates Peru’s liberation from Spain at the hands of Simón Bolívar in 1824. National Day is a public holiday celebrated with military parades and a horse race at the Monterrico Race Track.

Saint Rose, the first saint from the Western Hemisphere to be canonized, is one of the patron saints of Central America and South America. On Saint Rose of Lima Day, a procession takes place in Lima. The statue of Saint Rose is paraded from the shrine where it is usually kept to Lima’s cathedral. Children in the procession dress in white robes; adults dress in purple robes. Saint Rose was born in Lima in 1586.

Local holidays may honor patron saints, or celebrate the harvest or some other important event or tradition.

Source: Encarta Interactive World Atlas

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