Honoring Saint Rose in Lima this August

Each August 30^th, Peru celebrates a national holiday in honor of the first saint of the Americas, Saint Rose of Lima. The event is marked by heavy drinking, musical bands, and costumed folkloric dances. Roving street vendors hawk old-fashioned Peruvian sweets and desserts, toys, and religious paraphernalia. Although different neighborhoods host their own parties, celebrations center on a procession through the central streets of Lima and to the saint’s hometown just outside of the city, Santa Rosa de Quives.

Because she is the patron saint of the Americas, the statue is carried in procession accompanied by flags from all of the countries of the New World. Of all of the colonial-era dances performed on this day, the one most associated with the festival is the Doctors’ Dance, perhaps due to the saint’s dedication to the infirm.

The faithful mark the day by visiting the saint’s birthplace and former home, the St Rose of Lima Sanctuary, to see relics, visit the garden hermitage built by her own hand, and to drop miracle requests written on small slips of paper into her garden well. Or, they visit the 16^th century Santo Domingo Basilica Cathedral in Lima’s historical center, as this houses the Altar of Peruvian Saints, the final resting place of St Rose of Lima, St Martín de Porres, and St Juan Masías.

The receptionists at Pirwa Inclan B&B (our hostel in Miraflores, Lima) are quite knowledgeable regarding Lima’s events and attractions, so do stop by for recommendations and assistance. They can even arrange transport and tours for you if you’d like.

We hope that you’ll visit us during your stay in Lima- we offer a shared dormitory in addition to private rooms, and is located just four blocks from Kennedy Park, the heart of Miraflores.