Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Celebrating its 35th year, the Mercado de las Pulgas is holding up better than ever with their annual fundraiser. No doubt, it's no surprise things are already going crazy with all the furniture coming in by multiple delivery trucks. From August 21-25, las Pulgas will be opening its doors at the Cuartel San Martin to the thousands of loyal customers looking for a good buy in exquisite household furniture.

As done in the previous years, the proceeds made from the shop will go directly to a charitable cause. Before preparations are made for Mercado de las Pulgas, director Iris Vasquez de Velasco and her fellow volunteers gather round to discuss and evaluate which organization is in dire need of the donation.

This year, Vasquez de Velasco announced las Pulgas will donate their efforts to the Cee Piloto de Chincha, a school which was completely destroyed in last year's devastating earthquake in southern Peru.

Construction has already started on the school in Chincha but the money made will definitely bring the school closer to its new renovations. And for 35 years, that is what makes las Pulgas so special in its tremendous charitable work. This is no ordinary flea market, countless people in need depend on this event for the hopes of having their dreams reconstructed.

Pictures of the many schools repaired thanks to Mercado de las Pulgas were shown proudly in the office. Every year, volunteers donate their time and efforts in order to make sure the process of running the flea market goes smoothly.

Walking into the Cuartel San Martin you will see magnificent table sets, silverware, dining room furniture and art pieces. It’s amazing that someone would want to sell these things away. But it is probably these beautiful pieces that make Pulgas such as success.

In good kindness, the Cuartel San Martin allows Mercado de las Pulgas to stay the entire time for free. This, of course, makes financing easier during the two months it takes for volunteers to set up shop.

This year, around 400 people are expected to participate in selling away their items and around five thousand are expected to shop. Make some time to look over the thousands of items – everything from kitchen accessories to living room sets to colonial pieces – starting August 21-25 from the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cuartel San Martin is located at Av. Del Ejercito 1300 in Miraflores. Happy shopping!