The best way to describe Parque Kennedy is standing out that over the years has become a symbol and a representation of how Lima presents itself. At the center of Lima’s Miraflores district, you will find what has become the unofficial main square of Lima, curiously named after an American President. The park is also a meeting point for locals and visitors, and modern Lima forefront. Easy to find everything and its surroundings specially business such as restaurants, shops, cafes, libraries and so much more. If you are passing by Lima, then Parque Kennedy is an inevitable must!
The park has an extension of 240,000 square feet and as many main squares in Lima, it also has a church by the middle its name is Virgen Milagrosa Church – and was built in 1939, and also hosts the Municipal Palace, headquarters of Miraflores’ local administration. The Chabuca Granda Amphitheater and a number of smaller mini-squares within are where you can find everything from handcrafts and artisans to street food vendors. Its vibes are always to be a cheerful park decorated by flowers and tall trees.
Curiously, Parque Kennedy has become a natural shelter for dozens of friendly cats and kittens, which wander throughout the green areas, sharing the space with visitors who very often decide to adopt one. Recently the park has also become the main station for Mirabus a city sightseeing service that connects several tourist spots throughout Lima – departing from and arriving at Parque Kennedy. It is located at the very center of Miraflores, one of the main districts of Lima. Miraflores was founded in 1856, by the time the area was yet known before as a a residential place for Lima upper class. By 1900, the area that Parque Kennedy currently occupies was known as Parque Central and was solely filled by a church and an open area.
Parque Kennedy suffered the daunting years of civil conflict during the 1980s and 1990s in Peru. Since the return to democracy, after the collapse of Fujimori’s regime and the recovery of the country’s stability, Parque Kennedy has become the symbol of Lima.
Food is an essential part of urban environments in Peru, and street food has been part of the culinary boom observed internationally. Yet for visitors it is often risky to try some of the street delicacies available in Lima. That is not the case as far as Parque Kennedy’s street food is concerned. The municipal administration and public health department certify all these vendors and their products. Explore and try some of the products offer by the vendors inside park as they should be safe enough where the best options are – Butifarras which are this turkey breast and ham sandwiches accompanied by fresh chopped onions; also do not miss the taste of Picarones the traditional Peruvian dessert. It kind deftinelty has the shape of a donut, but it is prepared with sweet potato flour, and then drizzled with a special honey; Chica morada this purple corn beverage and so many more.
Also, the painters have become to this place in the early nineteenth century, popular paintings and street art have been an essential aspect of Lima’s cultural scene. While Peru was seeking its independence, the famous and talented painter Pancho Fierro (1810-1879) used watercolors to portray a vibrant image of Lima’s daily life. The result was a quintessential expression of what later became known as Costumbrismo: a visual interpretation of day-to-day practices. But also, if you are interested in different kinds of art, you can find very close some other figurative and contemporary painters as Jhoel Mamani; Salim Ortiz; Ale Wendorff; Jhoco; Hugo Salazar Chuquimango; Gala Arbitres; Amadeos Gonzales; Fernando Gutiérrez and Andre Barreda.
