Local Peruvians Celebrate Country's Independence this Month

Next Sunday marks Peruvian Independence Day, but local Peruvians will get a head start on the festivities today with a flag raising at the Renaissance Plaza in White Plain.

La Asociación Peruano Americana de Westchester NY, or the Peruvian American Association of Westchester,  is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. on the plaza, located at between Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street. The event is part of a series of activities scheduled this month in commemoration of the 192nd anniversary of Peru’s independence.

Olinda Salazar, a member of the group, said this is the second year that the group has held the flag raising. The association was formed last year, according to Salazar.

“The mayor of White Plains and the ambassador from Peru are expected to be there,” Salazar said. “We expect a lot of Peruvians to be there as well.”

Salazar said the association was formed as a way to promote Peruvian culture and pride in the county.

“Peruvians are good people and hard workers,” Salazar said. “We have a lot of professionals and we want to promote education, which is the most important thing, and remind people not to forget their roots.”