What happened a day like today? On July 9, Peru remembers historical facts of struggle, culture, and memory. In 1882, during the Pacific War, Andrés A. Cáceres ‘ army achieved important triumphs in Marcavalle, Pucará, and Concepción , strengthening Peruvian resistance in the mountains.
In 1924, Abelardo Gamarra Rondó , known as “El Tunante,” creator of the name “Marinera” for the national dance, passed away. He was a key figure in journalism and politics, who also fought bravely in the defense of Callao. In 1932, Trujillo was the scene of a bloody military bombing during the APRISTA REVOLUTION , which left over a thousand dead.
Internationally, this day is also recognized as the Day for the Destruction of Firearms , a UN initiative aimed at eliminating small weapons and reducing violence worldwide.
During the Breña campaign in the Pacific War, the battles of Marcavalle , Pucará , and Concepción (July 9 and 10, 1882) marked a series of strategic victories for the Peruvian army led by Andrés Avelino Cáceres .
These actions allowed them to recover control of Paso de Marcavalle , and Expect Junín’s Chilean troops. With the support of local guerrillas, an enemy garrison was annihilated in Concepción.
Although these victories did not stop the Chilean occupation, they reinforced national morale and demonstrated the effectiveness of a resistance war. July 9 is commemorated in honor of these fights.
Abelardo Gamarra Rondó, affectionately known as “The Tunante,” was born in Huamachuco in 1852 and passed away in Lima in 1924. He was a multifaceted persona – a writer, journalist, politician, and composer. Gamarra studied at the National College of Guadalupe and at the University of San Marcos.
He actively participated in the Pacific War , defending Callao and engaging in the battles of San Juan and Miraflores. Later, he joined the mountain resistance.
In political terms, Gamarra was elected as a deputy and staunchly opposed the Ancón treaty. He also gave the “Marinera” its name, coupling it with his musical piece “La Concheperla.”
On July 9, 1932, in Trujillo, during the APRISTA REVOLUTION , military forces bombarded the city to quash an armed uprising initiated on July 7 by APRA supporters.
On that day, six airplanes dropped 26 bombs on republican positions in the Mansiche neighborhood , resulting in heavy resistance marked by executions, with civilian casualties reported in urban clashes, accounting for over a thousand deaths.
The uprising aimed to overthrow President Sánchez Cerro and was brutally suppressed, culminating in Trujillo’s complete takeover and subsequent executions in Chan Chan .
The International Day for the Destruction of Firearms is a UN-established commemoration that promotes the safe elimination of small and light weapons to curb violence.
This day is observed on July 9 with the objective to destroy unused arsenals and remove them from circulation. Activities such as collection campaigns or temporary amnesties enable citizens to deliver weapons without facing legal consequences.
The goal of this day is to raise awareness about the lethal impact of these armaments on communities, promote control policies, and prevent homicides, suicides, and crimes. It serves as a global call to enhance citizen security and foster peaceful environments.