 When the Chilean invasion took place, patriotic Peruvians refused to follow the abusive orders of the military leaders of the enemy force and preferred to face the enemy in unequal battle, with sticks, stones and hand-thrown weapons, resulting in thousands of dead and injured.Due to the persistence, will, firmness and enthusiasm of Orlando Alvarez Castro, the highway was built from the coast to this cut-off city by means of the system of ""topos"", where 10 metres of road would be constructed by each member of the community, shopkeeper or teacher, and even the children, supported by food given by the women (unmarried and widows).Alvarez, Captain of the Peruvian Army, committed to have a road built by the day of the festival in honor of the patron saint, San Juan Baustista, to allow the first motorized vehicle in the centre of Pallasca for the parade.