Argentina returns thousands of archaeological pieces to Peru

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  Photo: ANDINA/Norman Córdova

 10:47.

 Buenos Aires, Aug. 27. The Government of Argentina has started the repatriation process of 3,898 pre-Columbian pieces belonging to the cultural heritage of Peru, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed.

On Saturday, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez symbolically handed over one of the pieces of the batch recovered by the Peruvian State.

The relics include high quality pottery, a Chancay-style artifact, a textile collection and skeletal remains, among other invaluable vestiges with highly historical content.

The ceremony, held at the Buenos Aires’ Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MNBA) (National Museum of Fine Arts), marked the official announcement of the return in the presence of Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Minister of Culture, legislators, Executive Branch officials, artists, cultural managers, and members of the diplomatic corps of both countries.

Both the National Institute of Anthropology and Latin American Thought (INAPL) and the Peruvian Embassy in Argentina are in charge of the restitution of cultural objects, which are expected to arrive in Peru by early November to be put into display for the public.

This historic milestone is a clear sign that the two States enjoy high-level relations, and shows the two countries’ unavoidable commitment to protect their cultural heritage and the outstanding management achieved by the Peruvian diplomatic service in defense of its cultural wealth, the Foreign Affairs Ministry pointed ou

Peru coffee shines at Expo Milano 2015

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusió

14:59.
 Milan (Italy), Jun. 28. On Thursday night a presentation featuring Peruvian Junin region’s Premium coffee was held in the Italian city of Milan, Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva announced.

The event was comprised in the ‘Peru feeds your soul’ program promoted by Peru’s Export and Tourism Promotion Board (Promperu) and Milan-based Peruvian Trade Office (OCEX), within the framework of the Expo in Citta; a series of activities the Municipality has organized in parallel to the Expo Milano 2015.

The corresponding presentation was in charge of Peruvian coffee-roaster David Torres Bisetti. Joined by Italian chef Daniel Canzian –who owns Daniel restaurant- both experts crafted a gourmet sampling menu on the special occasion.

Wine was replaced by Peruvian-coffee-made beverages to “accompany” the dishes. Likewise, the “black grain” became the main ingredient for some of the desserts.

“Junin region’s Café de Sapito, Yapaz Baja and Curibamba shone during the Milanese night. The attending crowd, gastronomy critics and entrepreneurs, were pleasantly surprised by the quality of our products during an evening, on which the Peruvian Coffee Day was celebrated,” Silva noted.

On the other hand, taster and coffee roaster Torres Bisetti affirmed bringing Peruvian natural product to the Italian crowd, a large consumer of the said beverage, "was interesting."

At the site, he showed other ways to enjoy it. “We presented it in a novel manner, by relating it to a gastronomic proposal developed by chef Daniel Canzian. We offered it as an ingredient for dishes and also for pisco-made beverages,” she told.

Owner of several roasting enterprises in Peru, David Torres Bisetti has introduced express coffee culture and philosophy, aimed at export purposes.

U.S. Gov. donates US$150,000 for Nazca Lines preservation

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión
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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión

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13:38.

 Lima, ago. 06. The Nazca Lines were declared winners of the U.S.-Government sponsored Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.

In this sense, Peru’s Culture Ministry was granted a monetary amount worth US$150,000 to be invested in the site preservation, among other purposes.

The announcement was made by U.S. Ambassador to Peru Brian A. Nichols and Peruvian Culture Minister Diana Alvarez-Calderon during a ceremony held in a prestigious hotel located in Lima on Wednesday night.

Mr. Nichols claimed the project, submitted by the Culture portfolio, was aimed at preserving the Lines so they would remain a cultural Heritage Site.

In 1994, the said tourist attraction was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Peru is the only country in the world, which submits a U.S. Ambassadors Fund-winning project each year. This reflects the country’s cultural richness and its authorities’ professionalism to sustain them, the Ambassador noted.

According to the diplomat, the U.S. has distributed US$1.6 million to Peruvian heritage throughout 12 years -the highest amount in Latin America- by funding 23 conservation projects in different regions of the country.

The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation supports the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects, and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 developing countries around the world.

Supported projects include the restoration of ancient and historic buildings, assessment and conservation of rare manuscripts and museum collections, preservation and protection of important archaeological sites and the documentation of vanishing traditional craft techniques and indigenous languages.

Cultural heritage endures as a reminder of the contributions and historical experiences of humanity. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, the U.S. shows its respect for other cultures.

(END) EGZ/ASH/MVB

Peru: Lima city consolidated as business tourism destination

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  Photo: ANDINA/Carlos Lezama

15:14.

 Lima, Aug. 07. In recent years, Lima city has consolidated as the main destination for business tourism due to its geographic location, the President of the Lima Convention and Visitors Bureau Carlos Canales affirmed.

According to the chairman, the Peruvian capital is located in Mid-South America, which grants the metropolitan Area a "proper" connectivity besides its climate and sea-level location.

Canales highlighted the Peruvian top city's "high-level" tourist attractions, hotel infrastructure, service quality, delicious gastronomy, as well as cultural, archaeological and natural sites declared World heritage.

He added the Lima Convention and Visitors Bureau managed to position the city on the fourth spot among Latin American countries.

In the current year, Peru will host the Annual Meetings of the Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be held in October.

(END) JCC/JCC/MVB

Peru: Arequipa residents participate in Chicha Festival to commemorate 475th Anniversary

• Photo: ANDINA/Rocío Méndez

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19:02.

 Arequipa, Aug. 07. Large numbers of visitors gathered at the Arequipa’s Main Square to celebrate the third edition of the Chicha Festival intended to boost the traditional beverage consumption within the framework of the 475th Anniversary of the city.

Over 25 traditional restaurants also called Picanterias offered chicha de guiñapo, which consumption is promoted by Sociedad Picantera de Arequipa, a city-established guild comprising restaurants specialized in offering spicy dishes.

The aforementioned association organized the event, which also encouraged the consumption the Arequipan cuisine.

On this occasion, the society forecasted last year's 10,000 glasses of the beverage -sold to attendees- would be exceeded.

Chicha de guiñapo is made of Arequipa region-harvested black corn, which is germinated, dried and ground. Once ground, it is boiled for several hours, later filtered and poured into clay jars until it has fermented. A couple days later it is ready to delight tasters.

Cusco, Arequipa, Tarapoto and Piura, most popular destinations on national holidays

Cusco, Arequipa, Tarapoto and Piura, most popular destinations on national holidays

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  Photo: ANDINA/archivo

12:48.

 Lima, Jul. 24. The cities of Cusco, Arequipa, Tarapoto and Piura top the ranking of Peru’s popular tourist spots during this year’s National Day holidays, Despegar.com travel agency informed.

On the matter, Marketing Manager Ingrid Carranza said the demand for trips to these cities on previous days has increased by more than 70% compared to last year.

Flight tickets sales to Cusco rose by 85%, followed by Arequipa (70%) and Tarapoto (65%).

“These destinations are popular among Peruvians due to the wide range of tourist activities, gastronomy and wonderful landscapes such cities have to offer,” the travel agency added.

The average ticket price was US$89, while lodging rates can be about US$25. Cusco sees the greatest increase in hotel demand.

“This season users have opted to buy their flight tickets before making their hotel reservations. As for the payment of services, 70% of them preferred to use credit cards and the other 30% decided to make it via bank transfers,” the agency informed.

Chincha, Ica, Paracas and Nazca are the most popular spots in Lima's surrounding areas, as they have emerged as ideal destinations for short trips with family, friends or that special someone.

It should be noted that Despegar.com users, aged 25 on average, plan their journey three weeks in advance, have always credit line availability, arrange their trip as they wish, get informed before making a purchasing decision and travel at least twice or three times a year.

Despegar.com is the largest travel agency in Latin America. It was established in 1999 and operates in 21 countries across the region.

(END) RPG/RGP/RMB/MVB

Published: 24/07/2015

Peru celebrated Pisco National Day

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión

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01:45.

 Lima, Jul. 27. Thousands of Peruvian and foreign citizens celebrated the Pisco National Day by tasting the national distilled drink's diverse varieties at different sites, such as: Restaurants, bars, squares or at home. 

One of the most visited places for the said purpose was the Alameda Chabuca Grande located near the Lima’s Main Square. The celebration was lightened up by the artistic program enjoyed by the crowd and tourist, above all.

Pisco samplings and Peruvian traditional dishes were tasted and drink bottles sold to customers.

In the Pueblo Libre district, enterprises organized a Pisco festival marking the National Independence Day celebrations (July28-29).
Thus, attendees were allowed to try the amazing drinks: Apple Pisco Sour, Traditional Pisco Sour, as well as Peruvian food.

The Peruvian Pisco Day is celebrated during the July month’s fourth Sunday since 1999, as was established through a Ministerial Resolution.