Piura,
PIURA
Location,
extension and population
| Brief historic
overview |
Main attractions of the capital |
Main attractions of the department of Piura
|
Typical dishes and beverages |
Tourist calendar  LOCATION,
EXTENSION AND POPULATION
The department of Piura is located in the northern region
of the country. It comprises parts of the Coast, Sierra and
Jungle. It limits to the north with Tumbes and Ecuador, to
the south with Lambayeque, to the east with Cajamarca, and
to the west with the Pacific Ocean.
Piura has an extension of 36,403
km² (14,050 sq ml), and a population of almost 1'500,000
people.
The capital is Piura.
It has a tropical and dry climate, with an average temperature
of 24ºC (75.2ºF), rising to over 40ºC (104ºF)
during summer. The rainy season runs from January through
March. In the Andean region, nights are cold and mornings
are mild. Other important cities are Sullana, Talara, Paita,
Chulucanas, Huancabamba, and Morropón.
 BRIEF
HISTORIC OVERVIEW
The most important culture that
developed in the Piura region was Vicus, which stands
out for its ceramics and delicate work in gold. The Tallanes
or Yungas, however, were the first settlers, who migrated
from the Sierra. During a period that is still vague, they
lived in Behetrias, which were primitive settlements without
a head or an organization.
Later on, they were conquered
by the Mochicas, and centuries after by the Incas during
the rule of Inca Yupanqui.
In 1532, Francisco Pizarro founded
the first Spanish city in South America, on the banks of the
Chira river in the Tangarará valley. He named it San
Miguel. The founding date is still reason for controversy.
However, during the 450 anniversary celebrations, July 15
was adopted as the official date.
In 1534, due to a lack of sanitary
conditions, the capital was moved to Monte de los Padres
(Morropón); in 1578, and for the same reason, it was
moved again, this time to San Francisco de la Buena Esperanza
(Paita). In 1588, the permanent attacks of the English pirates
and corsairs forced a final relocation of the capital to Piura.
During Colonial times, life went
by peacefully. Yet, the raids against the Spanish authorities
led by Admirals Borran and Cochrane, members of the libertarian
expedition of General San Martín, woke the longing
for liberty in the minds of the local people.
On January 4, 1821, the independence
of Piura was proclaimed in the atrium of the San Francisco
church.
 MAIN
ATTRACTIONS OF THE CAPITAL CITY
Plaza de Armas.
Located in the heart of the city, is surrounded by a total
of 24 tamarinds and ficus trees, and at the center stands
the marble statue, Pola.
Cathedral. From Colonial
times, it houses paintings of San Martín de Porres
and an image of the Virgin Mary by Ignacio Merino. The main
altar is covered in gold leaf.
Iglesia del Carmen. It
dates from the eighteenth century. Inside pieces of Viceroyal
art can be appreciated.
Iglesia de San Francisco.
The oldest in the city, and site of the proclamation of independence
of the department.
Almirante Miguel Grau House
Museum. The place were this remarkable marine was
born. It keeps mementos of his childhood and youth.
Town Hall Museum. It holds
collections of art and archaeology. The latter includes a
great variety of pre-Columbian ceramics.
Catacaos. Typical
town which stands out for its straw work, cotton handicrafts,
and primarily for its filigree work in gold and silver. The
city also has excellent picanterías.
Simbilá. A
small village near the city. The people are dedicated to pottery,
making mud stewpots, large jars, and other utensils.
OTHER
ATTRACTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUIRA
Sechura.
At 54 km (33.5 ml) from the capital, this region includes
the Iglesia de San Martín, the Bayóvar Oil Export
Complex, the Sechura desert, as well as the beaches of Chulliyachi,
Constante, Matacaballo, San Pedro and Parachique.
Sullana. It is known as
the Pearl of Chira. Located in this area is Tangarará,
where the first capital was founded. Also, the Poechos
dam and the Cerros de Amotape National Park.
Morropón. Located
at 60 km (37 ml) from the city of Piura, it is the capital
of the province of Chulucanas. Visitors can admire the Vicus
archaeological ruins, as well as the work of the people of
Chulucanas, famous artisans and potters. Also known as the
region where the tondero and cumana rhythms
and dances originated.
Paita. A coastal province
that stands out for its well-known beach resorts, such as,
Colán, Yacila, and Cangrejos. Other attractive sites
are the Iglesia de San Lucas, which is the first church
built in Perú, and the house of Manuelita Ramos, lover
and mate of Simón Bolívar in the libertarian
gest.
Talara. A province
famous for its beaches and fishing sites, such as, Cabo Blanco,
Los Órganos and Máncora.
Ayabaca. A province
of the Sierra located at 211 km (131 ml) from the capital.
It has lagoons with healing waters and a healthy climate.
Huancabamba. A province
known for its famous Huaringas, a group of fourteen
lakes considered to have magic powers. It is also home of
curanderos (curers) and sorcerers.
TYPICAL
DISHES AND BEVERAGES
Piura is known for its ample variety
of dishes, based on fish, kid, and poultry, which besides
being well seasoned are well served. Among the most important
are, seco de chabelo (dried beef meat and unripe bananas),
mala radia (rice, dry fish and beans), caldo de
siete carnes, sopa de novios, seco de cabrito
con tamales verdes, pepián de pavo, carne asada,
carne alinada, and copus or local pachamanca.
A drink that is present in every
meal is the chicha de jora, which in Piura is served
in any worthwhile picantería or restaurant.
The natilla (custard)
is considered the Piurano dessert par excellence and
well-known internationally.
TOURIST
CALENDAR
First Week in January. Feria
Internacional de los Reyes, celebrated in Sullana.
March 16. Anniversary
of Talara.
Holy Week in Catacaos. From
Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, the whole town venerates
the suffering Christ. It does so with processions, masses,
stations of the cross, and popular dances.
June 9. Fiesta de la
Virgen del Perpetuo Socorro.
June 21. Anniversary
of Catacaos.
Last Week in July. The
Peru-Ecuador Frontier Fair. During seven days the merchants
and artisans exhibit their products amid artistic and cultural
presentations.
August 15. Fiesta de
la Virgen de la Asunción, patron of the city of
Piura.
September 24. Fiesta
de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. Main date of
the festivities celebrated in Paita which last for a week,
including pilgrimages and other acts in honor of la mamita
meche.
October 13. Fiesta
del Señor Cautivo, celebrated in Ayabaca. It lasts
a week, with the participation of the whole town.
First Two Weeks in October.
Anniversary of Piura.
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