APU, the Soccer Ball Painted on the Sides of Buildings

Like a pest, I would ask endless questions of our Peruvian guests. Anybody who showed a kind face would be fair game for a question. Out came my yellow Rite in the Rain All Weather outdoor Journal No 1735 and my borrowed pen. “What is that tree called?” “What is this drink the lady on the street is mixing up and selling?” (In Cusco) “Why are there soccer balls with ‘APU’ painted on buildings?” (As we made our way to and from Cusco on Route 3S West of Cusco.) The last question is the subject of this post.

Billboards are likely expensive or perhaps prohibited in some locations, so painting the sides of a house or building (in particular in the countryside) seems to be a common political messaging medium. According the person at our hotel reception desk in Cusco, “APU” is a political party. Voting in Peru is mandatory.

APU Painted on Buildings between Chinchero and Cusco.