The national holiday, July 28th, the anniversary of Peruvian independence, is celebrated with patriotic processions, speeches, and entertainments; it is the opening day of Congress, and is always an occasion of general festivity. The day begins, as do all public holidays in Peru, with religious service in the Cathedral. There are eighteen public holidays, two of which, Independence Day and the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of the arms of Peru, are recognized as national. The feast of Our Lady of Mercy is held on the 24th of September, and is celebrated with imposing church ceremonies and a magnificent procession, in which the high church dignitaries, with the Archbishop of Lima at their head, are present. The various religious orders, including the Franciscan, Dominican, Augustinian, and others, form part of the procession, and the army appears in gala uniform and full force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. The church service, attended by the president of the republic and his cabinet, is one of especial solemnity, and all Lima does homage to the occasion. The streets and plazas are thronged by sunrise, an eager crowd assembling in front of the government palace to see the president pass in his handsome state coach drawn by eight horses and guided by a smart coachman and grooms. Another annual feast day of importance, at least in the capital, is the 30th of August, the day set apart for the celebration in honor of Santa Rosa de Lima, the patron saint of Lima, the Philippines, and all America. The birthday of St. Joseph (San José), the patron of the republic of Peru, is celebrated on the 19th of March. The remaining holidays are the same as those observed in all Catholic countries. [Illustration: BARRANCO, A SEASIDE SUBURB OF LIMA.]