The term "Te Deum" is Latin for "To You, God." It constitutes an ancient hymn of praise to God and represents a thanksgiving to the Almighty.
During the Mass and Te Deum, the celebrant gives thanks to the Supreme Being for Peru's Independence, and in some way reaffirms the link between the Peruvian State and the Catholic Church, which has been present in the country's history since the establishment of the Republic.
The Mass and Te Deum has been celebrated and officiated on the occasion of Independence Day since 1821, that is, it has been as many years as it has since the establishment of the Republic of Peru.
This religious ceremony was celebrated for the first time in 1821, at the request of Jose de San Martin himself, to invoke blessings to mark the end of the Colonial-Spanish era in Peruvian territory.
With the passing of the years, its celebration was made official during the Republic period, until today, and adheres to the tradition framed by Independence Day activities.
In addition to Lima's archbishop and other religious authorities, this traditional activity features the President of the Republic, State ministers, legislators, high-ranking officers of the Armed Forces and the Peruvian National Police (PNP), as well as judicial and diplomatic authorities.