Yesterday I was near Plaza Grau, in downtown Lima when I saw a banner that announced the upcoming celebration of Lima's 472 year since its' founding by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18th, 1535. 

Interesting enough Lima was originally named Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of Kings), in tribute to the arrival of the three wise kings to Bethlehem.  The reason for the name was due to the date on which the name was chosen, January 6th, which is the date for the feast of the Epiphany.  With time the use of Cuidad de Los Reyes wore off and Lima adopted instead.  If you look at the picture of Lima's coat of arms you will notice the 3 crowns in the center.  Also on the coat of arms appears the symbols of Spanish King Carlos V and his mother, doña Juana.

Getting back to the announcement though, this Sunday a festival will be held in the Plaza de Armas which will include musical guest performances from Bartola, Guajaja, Julie Freundt, Los Hermanos Zañartu, as well as other recognized Peruvian artists.  The music is scheduled to start at 5pm and entrance is free to all who wish to attend.  The festival will then finish with a fireworks show that is set for midnight, 17th-18th. 

I will definately be attending and I even heard that their will be dance performances of La Marinera, so it should be quite an event.  Expect a full review of the event sometime next week.