Plaza de Armas - South America

In many South Amerian towns the central square is called "Plaza de Armas". According to wikipedia, "the name derives from the fact that this would be a refuge in case of an attack upon the city, from which arms would be supplied to the defenders." Here life happens. You meet friends, watch what's going on around you, shoe shine boys linger alongside vendors of souvenirs and sweets. And, of course, there are military parades. It is not, however, an entirely peaceful place as the Peruvians love to protest and demonstrate. Hardly a day goes buy without them venting their anger at the governing institutions, against corruption - and this affects most - underpaid jobs and general poverty.

Here are some images from the Peruvian towns of Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco to give you a general idea.