Peru’s National Holiday on August 30th
August 30th is a special national holiday in Peru, celebrating Santa Rosa de Lima: the first person born in the Americas to be canonized. Here’s where to go to learn more about her.
Usually, there are processions and masses to thank Saint Rose of Lima for the favors granted.
Santa Rosa was born in Lima as Isabel Flores de Oliva in 1586 during the Viceroyalty. She is known for a life lived caring for the city’s poor and one of great sacrifices and personal penances. She was a member of Lima’s Third Order of Saint Dominic, known as the Patron Saint of gardening and embroidery. The nickname Rosa came about during her childhood after a servant believed to have seen her face transform into a rose. Visit these places to learn more about her life:
IN LIMA
- Sanctuary of Santa Rosa The Sanctuary of Santa Rosa in Tacna Avenue. It is the birthplace and house of Santa Rosa. Visitors can see the chapel the saint built to pray and the room where she cared for sick people. The building has a well of wishes, 19 meters deep; thousands of faithful throw letters with their requests. The Garden of Santa Rosa is on the left side of the sanctuary.
- Monastery of Santa Rosa: You can visit the room where the saint spent her last three months. Today, it has become a chapel.
- Basílica y Convento de Santo Domingo: Located in the heart of Lima’s historic center, this church and monastery is one of the most visited places in Lima, admired for its vault of historic treasures. Here, you will find the tomb of Santa Rosa.
OUTSIDE OF LIMA
- Santa Rosa de Quives: Located less than two hours from Lima, this visit will have you enjoying fresh air. You can visit the house where Santa Rosa lived when she was between 12 and 16 years old.
- Oxapampa: Many activities are happening in Oxapampa during the holiday because Santa Rosa de Lima is the town’s saint.
