Working at 31 degrees in Lima: the jobs that Peruvians do despite the inclement sun

According to data from National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (Senamhi)Lima wears one of are the hottest in its history. Although the temperature records are at 31 degrees, especially in the eastern districts of the capital, the thermal sensation becomes higher.

Amid inclement sunThousands of Peruvians take to the streets every day to earn a few soles and bring something to their family table. There are the sellers of ice cream, raspadillas, Martians, soft drinks or sweets, as well as the people who work as “human statues” along the Jirón de la Unión, in the Center of Lima.

In general, each street vendor experiences the high temperatures in the summer, despite applying sunscreen, wearing wide-brimmed hats and drinking gallons of ice water. Many are victims of the so-called heat stroke, but they know that they cannot stop, because it would mean a day of loss for their economy.

This situation was denounced by Panorama, which approached some Peruvian street workers, who start their shifts at 7 a.m., or even much earlier. Several travel the main avenues of the capital offering their products. They try to cover themselves as much as they can, but most of the time it’s not enough.

“Paradoxical, but you never have a shadow. You have umbrellas but no shade, we try to wear our hats but the sun is still scorching terribly. I start my day at half past seven in the morning,” a young woman who rents umbrellas on a Costa Verde beach told this outlet.

Another Peruvian woman is dedicated to being a “jaladora” in downtown Lima. She wears a hot bear costume in the scorching sun and constantly dances, which causes her body temperature and sweating to rise even further. His job can’t stop even on the hottest morning, knowing he has to keep calling customers for businesses in the area.

throughout the Pan American Southvery close to the toll booth work two salesmen of children’s toys, who offer their curious products to all drivers who cross this busy road in the direction of the beaches and pools.

“(How many bottles of water do you end up per day?) Here, until we get here, we throw away at least six bottles each. My partner and I, a total of twelve bottles,” said one of the vendors, his face and arms completely covered in sunscreen.

In Jirón de la Unión, a father works as a “human statue” and brings to life the historical figure Manco Cápac, considered the “son of the Sun”. He also wears a warm costume, as well as a cape and some characteristic accessories from the time of the Incas. Every day, under the inclement sun, he dresses while waiting for tips from kind-hearted passers-by.