Parade celebrating the 194th anniversary of Peru's Proclamation of Independence. July 29, 2015. Image: Galería del Ministerio de Defensa del Perú / Flickr / CC 2.0. Unlike many countries, Peru enjoys its national holidays for two consecutive days: July 28 and 29. The festivities kick off on the 28, when the country celebrates Liberator General Don Jose de San Martín declaring Peru's independence from Spain in 1821. On this day, Peruvian officials traditionally attend Mass and singing Te Deum, with the president and other important figures of authority all in attendance. The president also addresses the nation from Congress, and receives the best wishes of diplomats and state authorities in the government palace. This year's celebrations also included a transfer-of-power, as President Ollanta Humala left Peru's presidency to its new leader, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who took the oath of allegiance along with his new cabinet. Despite the fun and excitement of July 28, it's actually the next day that many Peruvians await most eagerly. On this day, the Great Military Parade of Peru takes place showcasing members of the armed forces and national police. Over the years, the parade has taken place in many different settings, however, it now takes place in centric Brasil Avenue, with some spectators arriving before sunrise to ensure they get seats. On the other hand, some prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes, instead of fighting their way through the crowds—a task made easier thanks to the event being broadcast live on almost all public TV channels. Preparations for the military parade typically start a week before the event. This year, installation and setup started on July 18 with the cordoning off of roads and the installation of traffic-detour plans. Despite the parade's huge popularity, however, not everyone agrees with its relevance and some even question its existence entirely. Te Deum y Desfile Militar. No hay mejores formas de celebrar la independencia en democracia? Pienso que sí!. — Jeffrey Radzinsky (@jradzinsky) July 25, 2016 Te Deum and Military Parade. Are there no better ways to celebrate independence in democracy? I think yes! . No entiendo la necesidad y sentido de una #ParadaMilitar: exhibiendo orgullosos armas cuando nuestro país vive tanta #InseguridadCiudadana — Victor Santillán (@Santinikitan) July 27, 2016 I don't understand the need or reason for a Military Parade: proudly exhibiting guns when our country faces so much insecurity. But, generally speaking, Peruvians do celebrate the parade. And those who attend in person get there hours early: #FOTOS Personas siguen ubicandose en la Av. Brasil para ser testigos de la Gran #ParadaMilitar (Foto: H. Vinces) pic.twitter.com/gFyMvxzdob — Agencia Andina (@Agencia_Andina) July 29, 2016 Photos: People still getting themselves to la Av. Brasil to witness the great Military Parade. Así está el ambiente en la avenida Brasil a una hora del inicio de la #ParadaMilitarhttps://t.co/T7GxnZYzdIpic.twitter.com/bO7I9XSwks — Diario Perú21 (@Peru21pe) July 29, 2016 This is the atmosphere now in la avenida Brasil one hour until the start of the Military Parade. Gran #ParadaMilitar: la ‘previa’ al desfile en #fotoshttps://t.co/mbyaArXzLKpic.twitter.com/MvGEXB4yrB — Sociedad El Comercio (@sociedad_ECpe) July 29, 2016 Great Military Parade: The ‘preview’ to the parade in photos https://t.co/mbyaArXzLKpic.twitter.com/MvGEXB4yrB Vendors also make the most of the occasion by offering their products to the large crowds. Comparte las curiosidades de la #ParadaMilitar con el hashtag #MiDesfilePatrio➡️https://t.co/BrBzPpZcWZpic.twitter.com/MeFYAC4pah — RPP Noticias (@RPPNoticias) July 29, 2016 Share your curiosities of the Military Parade with the hashtag #MiDesfilePatrio [My Patriotic Parade] The Peruvian president, in his capacity of head of the armed forces, presides over the parade, which begins with canonfire, firecrackers, and a big band. PPK otorga el permiso y se inicia de manera oficial la #ParadaMilitar https://t.co/T7GxnZYzdI 🇵🇪 pic.twitter.com/A3uIPstEFg — Diario Perú21 (@Peru21pe) July 29, 2016 PPK [Pedro Pablo Kuczynski] grants permission and officially initiates the Military Parade.