The Cuerpo General de Bomberos Voluntarios del Perú (CGBVP) has announced it will not participate in the Gran Parada y Desfile Cívico Militar on July 29, 2026. According to an official statement, the institution is boycotting the event after organizers reduced its authorized delegation to a single company of 81 personnel.
Ministry of Defense Reduces Firefighter Delegation
The decision to limit the CGBVP’s presence was communicated by coordinators from the Ministry of Defense. According to Comandante Leonidas Telenta, director of Image and Press for the CGBVP, the notification arrived following the general rehearsal at the Base Aérea Las Palmas.
The CGBVP stated that the move is “unjust and contrary to our institutional tradition.” Historically, the organization has marched with three companies comprising volunteers from Lima, Callao, and various regions of the country.
Did You Know? The CGBVP is celebrating 165 years of institutional life, dedicated to serving the country and its inhabitants.
Impact on Volunteer Preparation
Approximately 300 volunteer firefighters spent six weeks preparing for the ceremony. The CGBVP noted that these volunteers trained to represent the institution “with discipline and dignity” for the Fiestas Patrias celebration.
Comandante Telenta emphasized that the institution cannot selectively choose which members participate, stating, “We are a single institution, we cannot say yes to some personnel and no to others.” He further noted that the Ministry of Defense provided no specific reasons for the reduction in force.
Conditions for Potential Return
Despite the current boycott, the CGBVP has not permanently closed the door on participation. Comandante Telenta stated the institution remains open to reconsidering its position if the authorization for three companies is restored.
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The CGBVP maintains that returning to the previous arrangement would be an “honor,” as it aligns with the tradition of previous years. Whether the Ministry of Defense adjusts the delegation size before the July 29 date remains the primary variable for the institution’s attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the CGBVP boycotting the July 29 parade?
The institution is protesting a decision by the Ministry of Defense to reduce its participation from the traditional three companies to just one company of 81 firefighters.
How many firefighters had prepared for the event?
According to the CGBVP, nearly 300 volunteer firefighters prepared for six weeks to participate in the ceremony.
Will the firefighters participate under any circumstances?
Yes, the CGBVP indicated they would be “delighted” to participate if the organizers restore the delegation to three companies.
Do you believe tradition should dictate the size of civic delegations in national parades?
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