Ayacucho is the capital city of Huamanga Province, Ayacucho Region, Peru. With a population of 140,033, it is one of the most populated cities in Peru.
Ayacucho is famous for its large number of churches and for its religious celebrations during Holy Week. These celebrations include horse races featuring Peruvian Caballos de Paso and the traditional running of the bulls, known locally as the jalatoro or pascuatoro. The jalatoro is similar to the Spanish encierro, except that the bulls are led by horses of the Morochucos.
History
Ayacucho was founded on April 25, 1540 as San Juan de la Frontera de Huamanga (St. John on the Huamanga Frontier). On July 3, 1677 the Universidad Nacional San Cristóbal de Huamanga (National University of St. Christopher of Huamanga) was founded at Ayacucho. On February 15, 1825, by decree of Simón Bolívar, the city's name was changed to the original "Ayacucho".
The city is named after the Battle of Ayacucho. Upon seeing so many casualties on the battlefield, the settlers named the area Ayakuchu, aya meaning "soul" or "dead" and kuchu meaning "purple" in the Quechua language. The Battle of Ayacucho was the last armed clash between Spanish armies and patriots during the Peruvian War of Independence. The battle developed in the nearby pampa of La Quinua on December 9, 1824. The patriot victory sealed the independence of Peru and South America.
See also
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