As two teachers wrapped two other teachers from head to toe in toilet paper, I stood behind the cheering crowd of students, amused and reflecting on my own high school experience and the teachers who helped shape me. This friendly, funny competition was only a small part of the all day celebration of teachers for “Dia del Maestro” at the secondary school.
Around 10:30, the students gathered all the teachers together and had us sit in the nicely aligned chairs under the shade to the side of the outdoor stage. The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a prayer and then a blessing led by our resident nun (yes, there is a nun who teaches at the public high school and yes, the students do have an hour of religion a week). After the blessing, the nun sprinkled Holy water on all of us. The principal then led a toast, to which we all raised our tiny plastic cups of champagne. And, finally, the students took over the ceremony and performed various artistic acts.
There were singers, actors, dancers; they paid tribute to tradition but included a variety of modern elements.
Which brings us back to the toilet paper mummification of two teachers. As the finale of the ceremony, the seniors arranged for several competitions mimicking the very popular celebrity reality game show, “Esto Es Guerra,” that I can only compare to “The Real World” crossed with “American Gladiator” and blended with the final challenge from “Double Dare.” The students cheered on their favorite teachers as the teachers completed the various challenges; and in those moments, even an outsider could feel the enormous sense of community that the staff had built within the school. There wasn’t a student not cheering and there wasn’t a teacher unwilling to participate.
After the ceremony, the students all went home, excited to have a free Friday afternoon, while the teachers moved to the laboratory where the APAFA (similar to the PTA) had prepared small plates of papas a la huancaina (potatoes smothered in a creamy cheese sauce) and aji de gallina (also potatoes covered in a spicy sauce blended with shredded chicken). A few of the graduating class had prepared a special PowerPoint with pictures and music to share their appreciation for the work that the teachers do. The simple gesture was well received by the grateful teachers.
The day ended with a staff only lunch followed by drinking and dancing at one of the municipality multipurpose centers.
While it seems like there’s always a celebration of some sort, I have come to appreciate that Peruvians are always celebrating. There’s so much in life to be thankful for, so why not eat good food, enjoy each other’s company and dance until your feet hurt? 
Brittany McGee 