The paradox of Peruvians celebrating their independence in Madrid

Hundreds of thousands of Peruvians celebrate their independence in central Madrid

What are hundreds of thousands of Peruvians doing in central Madrid celebrating the independence of a country that is not their own? The answer is uncomfortable: many of them live, work and pay taxes in Spain, and the celebration has become a mass phenomenon mixing national pride, nostalgia and an economic reality few are willing to put into words.

The Peruvian community in Madrid is one of the largest in Europe. Hundreds of thousands of people, according to published estimates, gathered in late July around Sol to mark another anniversary of Peru's independence from the Spanish crown. The city centre was taken over, with red-and-white flags, Andean music and a festive atmosphere that, for most attendees, was a day of reconnecting with their roots.

The paradox of independence celebrated in Madrid

Some argue the celebration is a display of cultural diversity, backed by the Madrid City Council. Others, however, see it as a provocation: "It's as if a Spaniard celebrated their national day in Lima while relying on aid from there." It is also noted that 12 October, the Hispanic Day holiday, was renamed in Peru from 2009 to revalue indigenous identity. The irony does not go unnoticed.

The economic factor: migration, remittances and care work

Available data suggest that Peruvian migration has been key to sustaining the Spanish economy in certain sectors. Elderly care work, cleaning and hospitality depend largely on foreign workers, including many Peruvians. Their remittances, moreover, support entire families in the Andean country. However, the cost borne by the public system in healthcare and education for this population is also mentioned, a debate that divides opinion.

The next date: Bolivia and Ecuador

The migrant calendar does not stop here. The independence days of Bolivia and Ecuador will, predictably, be the next occasion to repeat the same pattern in the streets of Madrid.

• 6 August: independence of Bolivia
• 10 August: independence of Ecuador

Meanwhile, the reflection on what it means to be Spanish in a country with an increasing number of foreign national holidays is left for another day. Or perhaps for the next celebration, which will not be long in coming.