SPECIAL DAYS IN DIFFERENT DESTINATIONS II

SENEGAL

· International Gorée Day:

International Gorée Day is a commemoration that pays tribute to the history of Gorée Island, an emblematic place located off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. This site is recognized as a symbol of the historical memory of the transatlantic slave trade and the resilience of the people affected by this dark chapter of humanity.

Although it does not have a fixed date on the international calendar, activities often coincide with relevant historical events or programs organized by UNESCO and other institutions. It is not only a local celebration but also has a global impact by reminding us of the importance of learning from the past to prevent injustices from being repeated. It also highlights the cultural richness and strength of African communities and their diaspora.

This day is celebrated with various events to honor memory and promote dialogue on human rights, equality, and social justice. Solemn acts are held at the House of Slaves and other historical sites on the island, tours are conducted to educate people about Gorée’s history. Historians, activists, and international leaders participate in debates about slavery, racism, and the fight against discrimination, and artistic performances, such as music, dance, and poetry, are included to highlight African cultural heritage and its influence on the world.

· Independence Festival (April 4th):

It is celebrated every April 4th, commemorating the country’s independence from French colonial rule in 1960. This date is a day of national pride, marked by a series of events and activities celebrating Senegal’s history, unity, and achievements since independence.

In the capital, Dakar, a military parade is held, featuring Senegal’s armed forces as well as police units and other institutions. The parade includes demonstrations of military power and equipment displays, along with the participation of bands and escorts. This parade takes place at Independence Square, an iconic location for the country. The President of Senegal delivers a speech reflecting on national achievements, unity among the people, and future challenges. Additionally, official acts are carried out with the participation of local authorities and international representatives. The President usually pays tribute to historical leaders who fought for the country’s independence, such as Léopold Sédar Senghor.

Numerous cultural events are celebrated across the country, showcasing traditional dances, music, and theater. It is an opportunity to display Senegal’s rich cultural diversity, which includes a mix of African, Arab, and European traditions. In the capital, art exhibitions and gastronomic shows are also held, featuring typical dishes such as thieboudienne (a rice and fish dish), yassa (chicken or fish with onion and mustard), and mafé (a meat stew with peanut sauce). Music is an essential element of the celebrations, with concerts and festivals of genres like mbalax (a Senegalese music style), rap, sabar, and other popular styles. Local and international artists perform on large outdoor stages, and the festive atmosphere is palpable throughout the day.

It is a day of solidarity and unity for Senegalese people, celebrating their independence and the country’s future.

· Saint-Louis Jazz Festival:

This is one of the most prominent events on Senegal’s musical scene and a major jazz festival in Africa. It is held annually in the city of Saint-Louis, located in northern Senegal, a historic city that was the country’s former colonial capital and is known for its rich cultural heritage. The festival generally takes place in May or June and can last several days. Although the exact dates vary each year, planning and anticipation for the event begin well in advance, with announcements about participating artists and planned activities.

Founded in 1993, the festival aims to promote jazz and other forms of African and international music while highlighting Saint-Louis as a cultural and artistic hub. Since then, it has grown significantly in popularity, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. Saint-Louis, a city with unique French colonial architecture situated between the Senegal

River and the sea, provides a picturesque setting for this event, combining music, culture, and tourism.

The festival attracts international jazz musicians and bands from Africa and other parts of the world. Renowned artists in the jazz genre and other musical styles also perform, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange. In addition to jazz, other musical genres such as traditional African music, soul, blues, and contemporary music can be found, reflecting the festival’s musical diversity. Concerts and performances are held in various city venues: outdoors, in concert halls, and at iconic sites.

The festival is not limited to concerts alone. Music workshops, masterclasses, and meetings between local and international musicians are organized, fostering valuable cultural exchange for artists and the audience. These workshops allow Senegalese and African musicians to interact and learn from international musicians and vice versa.

In addition to music, attendees can explore the city, enjoy its gastronomy, and learn about the diverse local traditions and customs.

PERU

· Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun): 

Celebrated on June 24th in Cusco, this is one of the most important and emblematic celebrations of Peruvian culture, especially in the Andean region. This festivity has its roots in the ancient Inca civilization, who worshiped the god Inti, the sun god, considered one of the most important deities of the Inca Empire. Today, Inti Raymi is a cultural and tourist manifestation that revives Inca traditions.

After the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and the imposition of Christianity, Inti Raymi was banned. However, in the 20th century, particularly from the 1940s, it was revived as a cultural and tourist celebration. Today, Inti Raymi is an event that attracts thousands of tourists from around the world and is celebrated as a theatrical representation of Inca rituals.

The celebration begins at Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), where an opening ceremony is held. This temple was one of the most sacred places of the Inca Empire and was dedicated to Inti. The ceremony starts with prayers and offerings to the gods, primarily the sun. Next, Inti Raymi moves to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where a theatrical representation of ancient rituals takes place. Here, actors depict the moment when the Inca (the Inca emperor) greets the sun and offers offerings on behalf of his people. This part is a dramatization of the original ceremonies and includes Andean dances and music. Finally, the celebration culminates at Sacsayhuamán, an impressive archaeological site located on the outskirts of Cusco. This was the site of the great Inti Raymi ceremony during Inca times. Here, participants, dressed in traditional costumes and representing various figures of the Inca Empire, perform a series of rituals, including the blessing of the sun, traditional dances, and offerings to the earth and the gods.

· Day of the Criolla Song: 

This is one of the most important celebrations of traditional Peruvian music, commemorated every October 31st. This festivity celebrates the Criolla musical genre, which combines indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, and is considered a symbol of Peru’s cultural identity, especially in the coastal region. It is also an occasion to pay tribute to musicians, composers, and performers of Criolla music and to promote this genre as a significant part of Peruvian tradition.

The term “criollo” refers to a mix of cultural influences from Spanish colonizers, Peru’s indigenous people, and later the influences of African slaves. This cultural fusion gave rise to musical genres such as festejo, Peruvian waltz, marinera, landó, and tondero, which are part of the Criolla music repertoire.

Concerts of Criolla music are organized in theaters, squares, and cultural centers across the country. In Lima, the most notable event is the Grand Criolla Concert held at the Plaza de Armas or Parque de la Exposición, where national artists perform classic songs of Criolla music. Festivals of Criolla music are also celebrated, showcasing both established musicians and new talents in the genre.

People enjoy participating in these traditional dances in a festive atmosphere. In some events, awards or recognitions are given to outstanding artists who have preserved and promoted Criolla music. As part of the celebration, typical Peruvian dishes are highlighted in many festivities. Some of the most representative dishes are causa limeña, ceviche, pachamanca, and arroz con pollo. On this day, restaurants and homes are filled with traditional foods that complement the festive atmosphere.

· Peruvian Carnivals:

These are among the country’s most colorful and vibrant festivities, combining indigenous, African, and colonial influences. This celebration, which takes place between February and March, is celebrated in various regions of Peru, especially in the highlands and jungle areas, although also in some coastal cities. Peruvian carnivals are a great opportunity for community gathering and joy, with many regional variations.

It has its roots in ancient pre-Hispanic festivities of Andean cultures, which celebrated the arrival of the new agricultural cycle, especially with the water festival. With the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, indigenous festivities merged with the Christian traditions of European carnival, creating the version we know today.

The most representative music and dance styles performed include huayno, marinera, festejo, diablada, and morenada. Each region has its own repertoire of dances and music that reflect its identity and traditions. The music is lively, and the dances are often participatory, with people jumping and singing in the streets. One of the most characteristic aspects is the water and flour fights.

During carnivals, it is common to see participants throwing water, flour, and confetti at each other, creating an atmosphere of festivity and fun. People, especially young ones, organize themselves into groups to “attack” passersby and friends with these elements, creating an environment of joy. Parades and comparsas are one of the main attractions. The streets fill with color with traditional costumes, masks, elaborate outfits, and folkloric representations of mythical figures and animals.

During carnivals, it is also common to enjoy traditional dishes from each region. In many areas, typical foods such as cuy chactado, pachamanca, empanadas, arroz con pollo (rice and chicken), and drinks like chicha de jora (a fermented corn drink) or pisco sour are prepared.