Matsuri AELU 2023: everything about the Japanese gastronomy and culture festival in Lima

From a steaming and comforting plate of Soba (noodle soup) to the curious and varied obento, Japanese gastronomy offers us iconic dishes that can be enjoyed in the new edition of Matsuri AELU 2023. This festival, which celebrates traditional and popular culture of Japan, will be held on Saturday the 11th at the La Unión Stadium Association, in Pueblo Libre. Learn more about the event here.

The XXXI Matsuri AELU is held within the framework of the 70 years of the La Unión Stadium Association, who organize the event, and the 150 years of diplomatic relations between Peru and Japan. The festival is part of the Cultural Week of Japan, which is organized annually by the Peruvian Japanese Association (APJ).

One of the main attractions of this festival is the gastronomic section, in which various brands and associations will offer sweet and savory delicacies, classics of Japanese cuisine. Among the snacks that we can find are onigiri, a rice ball filled with tuna or another protein, and takoyaki, a fried dough ball with octopus.

For example, you can enjoy obento, a dish that combines small portions of different proteins, legumes, accompaniments and more. You can also enjoy the inevitable chicken katsu, a chicken fillet breaded and fried to perfection.

Among the sweets that can be enjoyed are sata andagi, a sweet fried dough similar to donuts or fritters, but with a different texture. Mochis and their different variations can also be tasted.

Activities will also be held in the food festival area to learn more about Japanese cuisine. For example, the Mochitsuki ceremony will be held, where mochi, a classic rice-based dessert, is prepared. Those interested will be able to attend a cooking demonstration class and, in addition, will be able to learn more about sake, a traditional drink.

More activities

As already mentioned, this festival is for the whole family, so they have other shows and activities that are necessary to share. For example, they will have a cosplay contest, the well-known practice of representing specific characters from the world of manga and anime through accessories and costumes. They will also have a moment to perform karaoke and there will be an exhibition of martial arts such as karate, judo and kendo.

The central ceremony will take place at 7 pm and the various delegations will parade as is customary. They will also have a fairly complete show with artists, musical and dance groups such as the Sai Shoku Ken Bi or the performance of the Ondo dance. They will close the celebration with Hanabi, or the fireworks show.