Surco

Santiago de Surco
District
View towards east, Higuereta oval on view
Coat of arms
Location of Santiago de Surco in Lima
Coordinates: 12°09′S 77°01′W / 12.150°S 77.017°W / -12.150; -77.017Coordinates: 12°09′S 77°01′W / 12.150°S 77.017°W / -12.150; -77.017
Country	Peru
Region	Lima
Province	Lima
Founded	December 16, 1929
Government
• Mayor	Roberto Hipólito Gómez Baca
Area
• Total	34.75 km2 (13.42 sq mi)
Population (2002 est.)
• Total	251,648
• Density	7,200/km2 (19,000/sq mi)
Time zone	PET (UTC-5)
UBIGEO	150140
Website	munisurco.gob.pe

Santiago de Surco, commonly known simply as Surco, is a district of Lima, Peru. It is bordered on the north with the district of Ate Vitarte and La Molina; on the east with San Juan de Miraflores, on the west with San Borja, Surquillo, Miraflores and Barranco, and on the south with Chorrillos.

Due to its relatively large area, it is a very heterogeneous district, having inhabitants belonging to all socio-economic levels.

The northern parts of Surco, which are close to San Borja and La Molina, are known as Monterrico and Chacarilla and considerably more developed than the southern side of the district, having more upper class housing and the four major shopping centers of the district.

Some of the most exclusive and prestigious universities of Lima are located in Surco, including University of Lima, ESAN University, Universidad Ricardo Palma, and Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas. Other prestigious high-school institutions such as Markham College, Colegio Santa Maria and Colegio Cambridge are also located within the district.

Many of Lima's largest shopping centers are also located in the district, including "Jockey Plaza Shopping Center", "Caminos del Inca", "Chacarilla" and "El Polo". Santiago de Surco has won five awards for having some of the best-kept green areas in Lima.

La Vendimia (grapevine): The Viticulture Association and the Municipality of Surco sponsor this showcase for regional crafts, cuisine and wine processes within the framework of the "Vineyard Harvest of Surco." The craft of wine preparation is demonstrated through macerating grapes by the traditional method of treading by foot. Grape fermentation and aging processes are also shown. A Reina de la Vendimia (Queen of the Harvest) is chosen and local performers stage their talents. This seasonal festival takes place from March 17 to 26, annually and it is one of the most traditionalist festivities. It is celebrated in downtown Surco.
The first Vendimia was started by Engineer Pedro Venturo Zapata Owner and operator of "Hacienda Higuereta y Anexos - Negociacion Vinicola Pedro Venturo S.A." (1925-1952)