Iquitos Marks 162nd River-Port Anniversary on New February 26 Date as Officials Pledge Infrastructure Push
The date change, grounded in Navy records confirming the 1864 arrival of the steamship Pastaza, set the stage for leaders to press modernization of the Amazon hub.
Overview
- Loreto Governor Jorge René Chávez Silvano highlighted Iquitos’ origin in river trade and urged efforts to strengthen its strategic logistics role.
- The mayor announced a signed agreement with the regional government to resurface 250 city blocks in the Iquitos district.
- Official events featured floral offerings at La Factoría, a Te Deum mass, flag-raising, a civic-military parade and a solemn session.
- Parade participation was smaller due to institutional vacations, though armed forces, DEVIDA, municipal workers, serenazgo units with dogs and sanitation equipment took part.
- A midnight serenade at Plaza 28 de Julio drew large crowds, celebrating local identity shaped by Amazonian roots and immigrant influences.