In most cultures, celebrating birthdays is a recognized tradition to show appreciation for the existence of another person and their role in your life, and Perúvian culture is no expection. Birthdays are a big deal here! Each birthday is generally celebrated with a party, music, dancing, and, of course, cake! Read more to learn about how Peruvians celebrate birthdays, depending on their age.
During my service here, I have learned about different ways to celebrate birthdays, depending on your age. In some aspects, Perú follows traditional celebrations in Latino culture. For example, Peruvians observe the quincinera, which is a celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday and her transition from childhood to adulthood, typically involving a Catholic mass followed by a party. If you are an adult, you typically have a birthday party that involves dancing, drinking and a cake shared with your friends. Another popular tradition is that on your birthday, your friends will throw raw eggs at you! The number of eggs that are pelted at you directly coresponds to your age. After breaking the eggs on you, your friends then throw either flour or chalk dust on you. No matter your age, people will sing you "Happy Birthday," first in English and then again immediately after in Spanish.
