Bolivian+Festivals

  = FESTIVALS!! =

"Festivals in Bolivia are common and often fuse elements from the Catholic faith and from pre-Colombian custom." (10) During the time of festivals the old Incan ways and the modern religous celebrations mix and become one. (2) Bolivia has many celebrations for many different occasions. One of these is the Festival of the Cross, celebrated on May 3rd. This festival originated with the Aymara Indians. Another festival based on this group is the Alacitas. This is the Festival of Abundance which takes place in the La Paz and Lake Titicaca region. In this festival the celebrate the God Ekeko, who brings good luck. One of the most popular festivals is the carnival held in Oruro. This carnival takes place in the season before Lent. In this mining town where the carnival takes place the workers seek the protection of the Virgin of the Mines and perform the diablada. (10)

El Gran Poder is a festival that started as a candlelit procession in La Paz in 1939. In today's time it has grown to a great street parade. The parade is eight miles long making it very difficult for the dancers in the parade. The costumes are magnificent and reflect Bolivian history and mythology. The most famous dancers in the parade are Los Morenos whose costumes reflect African culture. (2)

The Fiesta del Espiritu is also a mining holiday. This is a time when the miners make an offering to the God Pachamama, the earth mother, asking for protection. This festival takes place the last three Saturdays of June and August. Before the festival, villagers bring llamas into town. Each mine buys a llama in the morning of the festival and following the purchase the drink and chew coca. At midday, the sacrifice the llamas. They catch the blood and throw it down the mine along with the stomach, feet and head being buried. After the sacrifice the men go back to drinking while the women prepare the llama to eat. (2)

 