Cows On Parade - Lima

If you see some large fiberglass bovines taking over the public spaces of Lima, then do not be too startled. These highly decorative moo cows are part of the Cow Parade 2009 and are part of one of the world's largest public art displays.

Since beginning in Switzerland in 1998, there have been more than 2500 cows paraded as part of the fundraising campaign worldwide.

You will find cows scattered around Larcomar, Plaza de Armas, Parque de Amor, Parque Kennedy, Barranco and Jockey Plaza with around 80 cows in total comprising the parade. Cows are decorated by locals artists in all manner of weird and wonderful ways. Many of the cows represent Peruvian elements in ingenious ways.

Following the parade the cows will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Peruvian NGOs Ann Sullivan Center of Peru, Socios en Salud and the Lima Foundation.  Let's hope they all go to good home, I'd be udderly disappointed if they were mistreated (sorry, I couldn't resist). The fancy cows will be on display around town until February 2010.

I have included a photo of the one in Larcomar that is my absolute favorite.