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Peasant's Day is an official recognition, made by various Latin American countries, to the work of the farming community.
In Bolivia edit
In Bolivia, Peasant's Day is commemorated on August 2 in homage to different events from Bolivian history, such as the creation of the Ayllu School (today the Higher Teacher Training School Warisata) and the institution of "Día del Indio" in 1931, through the work of President Germán Busch, as well as the proclamation of the Agrarian Reform Law in 1953, during the government of Víctor Paz Estenssoro, which handed over agricultural land to the farm labourers who worked it.
In Colombia edit
Peasant's Day has been celebrated in Colombia since 1964, when, during the administration of President Guillermo León Valencia, it was instituted that celebrations should be held on the first Sunday of the month of June in recognition of the farming community and their contribution to the development of the country. This holiday was established by Decree No. 135 of February 2, 1965, in commemoration of the death of Pope John XXIII, whose farming origins (his parents worked as sharecroppers in Lombardy) were paid tribute to by the Colombian president.
In Cuba edit
Peasant's Day is celebrated in Cuba every May 17, commemorating the death of Niceto Pérez, who was assassinated for defending his farm located in Guantánamo In recognition of Pérez's memory, Fidel Castro proclaimed the Agrarian Reform Law on May 17, 1959 and established that date as "Cuban Peasant's Day."
In Peru edit
In Peru, Peasant's Day, which was initially called "Día del Indio", comes from the Inti Raymi festival that was held during the Inca Empire to celebrate the winter solstice in the Andes and in gratitude to Inti, the Sun God, for the sun's benefits. This festival was instituted by President Augusto B. Leguía, calling it the Día del Indio by Supreme Decree proclaimed on May 23, 1930, as a tribute to the Peruvian farm worker and the indigenous population. During the Revolutionary Government of the Armed Forces headed by General Juan Velasco Alvarado, the Agrarian Reform Law was proclaimed by Decree Law No. 17716 of June 24, 1969, calling this date "Peasant's Day".
Inca Garcilaso de la Vega chronicles in his Royal Commentries of the Incas:
''The celebration of the Inti Raymi festival lasted nine days, with the abundance of eating and drinking that has been talked of and with all the festivities and joy that anyone could muster; but the sacrifices to encourage good omens did not go beyond the first day, after nine, the kuracas returned to their lands with the permission of their King, very happy and content to have celebrated the main festival of their Sun God''
Currently, Peasant's Day is celebrated in many regions with music and traditional dances, as well as the sale of handicrafts, a reason why tourist visits are made inland with Cusco being the most popular destination due to the representation of the Inti Raymi. In the Peruvian Amazon, on June 24, the Festival of San Juan is also celebrated.
In other countries edit
- Chile: 28 of July
- Nicaragua: 1 of September.