Saints Peter and Paul in Peru
Peru observes Saints Peter and Paul on June 29 as a national nonworking public holiday. Along the coast, some fishing communities mark the feast with Masses and processions that honor the apostles and the people who work at sea.[1][2]
A national public holiday
June 29 is listed as a public holiday in Peru’s legislation on paid rest days. The Ministry of Labor’s guidance describes national public holidays as paid days off for workers in Peru; where work is required, an employer must provide substitute rest or differentiated pay under the applicable rules.[1][2]
The date stays fixed on June 29. The statutory listing names the holiday, while the labor guidance explains how holiday work is handled.[1][2]
Faith and fishing communities
The feast honors Saints Peter and Paul. In Matarani, in the Islay district of Arequipa, the celebration also includes the Fisherman’s Day and pays tribute to fishers whose livelihoods depend on the sea.[3]
A Mass is followed by a procession carrying images of Saint Peter through town. Boats carrying the image then head out with visitors, who sing, pray and make offerings at sea. Fishers ask for protection.[3]
Local celebrations and food
Celebrations vary by place. In Cerro Azul, in Lima region, local fishers’ and municipal groups organize a patronal festival. Its programme includes Mass, a street procession and a traditional boat trip at sea, as well as a regatta and a shared meal.[4]
Seafood dishes presented during Cerro Azul’s festivities include ceviche made with anchovy, dried skate charquicán and picante de yuyo. These are examples from that town’s celebration, not dishes that can be assumed to be served everywhere in Peru.[4]
Work, services and planning
Because June 29 is a paid public holiday, ordinary work obligations are suspended under the labor guidance, subject to exceptions and arrangements for work on the day. If a private-sector employee works without substitute rest, the Diario Oficial El Peruano explains that the employee is entitled to holiday pay, pay for the work and a 100 percent surcharge.[1][2]
The holiday does not establish that every shop, bank, office or transport service closes. Opening hours and services may differ by provider and town, so check directly before making plans. Coastal processions and other local events are specific to their communities; the tourism records describe celebrations in Matarani and Cerro Azul.[3][4]
Frequently asked questions
Is Saints Peter and Paul a public holiday in Peru?
When is the holiday observed?
It is observed on June 29 each year. The calendar facts for this page list no substitute or observed date.[1]
What happens if I have to work that day?
The labour guidance provides for substitute rest or differentiated pay when someone works on a public holiday. For private-sector workers who work without substitute rest, El Peruano describes pay for the holiday, the work and a 100 percent surcharge.[2]
Are shops, banks and transport services open?
Opening hours and services vary by provider and town. Check with the particular business or service before you travel.
Sources and references
Sources used for Saints Peter and Paul in Peru:
- Ley que declara Feriado Nacional el 7 de junio en conmemoración de la Batalla de Arica y del día de la Bandera- Diario Oficial El Peruano
- Todo lo que debes saber sobre los feriados no laborables- Ministerio de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo, Centro Integrado Formaliza Perú
- Fiesta Tradicional De San Pedro Y San Pablo- Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo; Gerencia Regional de Comercio Exterior y Turismo de Arequipa
- Festividad De San Pedro Y San Pablo Cerro Azul- Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo; Dirección de Comercio Exterior y Turismo de Lima