By Jack Marflak
Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 14, 2026 to include additional comments from event organizers.
A rainy weekend could not dampen the spirits of the West Hudson community as thousands of residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the 205th anniversary of Peruvian Independence. Hosted by the Peruvian Civic Association of New Jersey (PCANJ), the two-day celebration featured a solemn flag-raising ceremony on Saturday, July 11, followed by a massive parade on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The weekend’s festivities honored Peru’s approaching Independence Day on July 28 while shining a spotlight on the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of Peruvian immigrants in Kearny, Harrison, and the Tri-State area.
On Saturday morning, despite the wet weather, the first of two flag-raising events took place at American Revolution Bicentennial Park at Kearny Town Hall. Later that morning, a larger flag-raising ceremony and celebration was held at Peruvian Heritage Park on Passaic Avenue.
Dozens of members of the local Peruvian community, friends, and visitors gathered in chairs beneath tents that were set up to provide shelter from the rain.
The rain didn’t stop the event’s coordinators from executing their carefully planned program of speeches and ceremonial moments. The program included a three-member female color guard carrying the American flag, the Peruvian flag, and the PCANJ flag, speeches in English and Spanish, and an emotional singing of the national anthems of both Peru and the United States and the raising of the Peruvian flag.
Among the many officials who attended the ceremony were Congresswoman Nellie Pou, New Jersey State Senator Angela McKnight, and Mayor Carol Jean Gaunt Doyle. All three said a few words about the Peruvian immigrant community’s contributions and dedication to the local community and the wider state of New Jersey.
In support of the local Peruvian community, Town Council President Marytrine De Castro and Councilmen Jose Rodrigues and George Zapata were also in attendance. Representing the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office on behalf of Sheriff Jimmy Davis was Undersheriff Orlando Miranda.
The two day event was organized by President Manuel Vasquez and the Association’s many members who were instrumental in ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
At one point in the celebration President Manuel A. Vásquez addressed the crowd welcoming elected officials, community leaders, special guests, and members of the public to the official 205th Anniversary of Peru’s Independence celebration.
He reaffirmed PCANJ’s mission to preserve Peruvian culture and traditions while helping new immigrants integrate successfully into American society through educational programs, civic engagement, cultural activities, and community service. “A well-integrated immigrant strengthens both the community they come from and the country that welcomes them,” he said.
President Vasquez concluded his remarks with a message of unity and hope, “Long live Peru! Long live the United States of America! Long live the friendship between our two nations, and long live our beloved Peruvian community in New Jersey.”
The following day, Sunday, July 12, the Association held its annual parade. The procession stepped off at approximately 12:30 p.m. from Harrison Town Hall at the corner of S. 3rd Street and Harrison Avenue, then traveled along Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard and Kearny Avenue before concluding at Kearny Town Hall.
A viewing stand was set up in front of the municipal building, where dancers in traditional Peruvian attire entertained dignitaries, elected officials, and spectators.
The parade drew an estimated 8,000 spectators from across the Tri-State area who lined the sidewalks to witness an expansive lineup of decorative floats and folkloric dance troupes. The spectators enthusiastically cheered, taking photos and videos while simultaneously waving their hand-held Peruvian flags.
Incorporated in 2005 by local Peruvian-Americans, the non-profit PCANJ has spent over two decades promoting the contributions of Peruvian immigrants and Latino culture, art, music, and gastronomy across West Hudson and the state of New Jersey.
The parade has drawn cultural groups from throughout South America including, in past parades, cultural groups from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Uruguay.
As the music faded and the dance troupes and crowd dispersed from outside Town Hall Sunday afternoon, the enduring sentiment of the weekend remained clear. What began 21 years ago as a grassroots community effort has grown into a premier cultural milestone for Hudson County, proving that local traditions continue to bind the greater New Jersey community together. ¡Viva Perú!
See all the photos of the flag-raising and parade at kearnylife.com/#new-photos