Residents of the country express their traditions through festivals and carnivals, which are divided into state and religious. Holidays in Bolivia love and suit them with a special scope.
general information
In the country, some celebrations have fixed dates, while others vary from year to year. Also, the timing of the event depends on the location and customs. For example, in each village there is a patron, respectively, and celebrate the appropriate holiday, Chicus Mass, on different days.
In Bolivia, Catholicism is closely intertwined with paganism (here it can be celebrated as the day of some holy and Indian god). Annually before the Great Lent the carnival takes place in all major cities, where the main decoration is the diablada - "the devil's dance".
Such activities are usually accompanied by numerous rituals, luxurious feasts, dance processions and folk music. At these celebrations, traditional alcohol is heard. Only in the Chaco area, strong spirits are strictly forbidden.
The most interesting holidays in Bolivia
- One of the main holidays in Bolivia is the Fiesta de La Virgen de Candelaria , dedicated to the Virgin. It starts on February 2 and lasts more than a week. The largest event is held on the shore of Lake Titicaca in Copacabana and Cochabamba . Pilgrims from all corners of the country flock here, and solemn processions, traditional dances and brass bands do not cease day or night.
- The most famous traditional carnival in the country is held in the city of Oruro . Local residents celebrate it for more than 2 thousand years. This is one of the most famous holidays in all of South America. Even UNESCO marked this event, proclaiming it a masterpiece of the spiritual and oral heritage of mankind. Here, 10,000 musicians and 30,000 dancers from all over the world take part, dressed in costumes of Incas, animals, angels, devils and conquistadors.
- In June, in the village of Akazio, the Solstysiode-Inverno Festival takes place, a holiday of the Tinku Fight, a fist fight in which even children and women take part.
- At the end of October, the Day of All Saints is celebrated in the country, and the next day they commemorate "Remembrance of All the Sacred." This is a joyful holiday, when people go to the cemetery and revere relatives with music, food and prayer.
- One of the most "terrible" holidays in Bolivia is Skull Day . Every year on 9 November, residents of the country gather in La Paz in the central cemetery to honor the memory of the deceased. Women take out in boxes decorated with flowers of the skull, which are given treats, alcohol, coca leaves and cigarettes.
- Also of interest is the Chikitos Music Festival , which takes place every 2 years, in the spring. Once in this area, Jesuit missions operated, teaching Indians music, craft and religion. As a result, the aborigines adopted culture, combining it with their traditions. On the holiday, high-class artists from all over the world come here.
- An example of the fusion of two cultures can serve as the Fiesta Gran Poder , pompously celebrated in La Paz . This is a street festival that has received worldwide recognition. At the head of the thousands of processions carry a statue of the Savior, to whom this holiday is dedicated. One of the main rituals here is Morenada - the dance of the black slaves and peoples of the Andes.
- Another important holiday in Bolivia is Inti Raymi , in honor of the Sun God. It is accompanied by ritual dances, animal sacrifices and solemn processions.
- The holiday of Alasitas in Bolivia is celebrated on January 24. He is dedicated to Ekkeko - the God of abundance. Local artisans make miniature copies of things that symbolize human desires. Aborigines acquire these products and place them on the statue of the deity. If on this day the Bolivian receives a gift, then this is a good sign, signifying prosperity.
What other holidays are there in Bolivia?
In addition to the above, the Bolivians celebrate other celebrations:
- New Year - January 1. This day is also dedicated to newly elected commissars and mayors;
- Day of the Volkhov and the Kings - January 6;
- in January, during the flowering of potatoes the peasants celebrate, dance ritual dances and cause rain;
- carnival Jisk'a Anata is held on February 9: this is the holiday of Pachamama, who is the Mother of the Earth;
- in February also mark Fiestadela Uva: everywhere wine is sold, prepared from last year's harvests;
- In April, local residents celebrate Easter. Throughout the country there are solemn processions, led by the crucifixion of Jesus;
- On April 15, you can see horse races, rodeo Chapaco, solemn parades dedicated to the date of foundation of the department of Tarija ;
- Labor Day - May 1;
- On June 23 and 24, the San Juan festival, dedicated to John the Baptist, is held. Throughout the country, local people are lighting fires around which they drink, eat, play and dance;
- The day of the city of La Paz is celebrated on July 16;
- The festival of the Apostle Santiago is held on July 25 and lasts about a week;
- The Independence Day is celebrated in Bolivia on August 6;
- The last Sunday in August in Santa Cruz is the Day of Traditions . National music sounds here, a craft fair is held, traditional dishes are prepared;
- September 21 Aboriginals celebrate Tiahuanaco - the day of the spring equinox. The local population gathers in the temple to meet the first rays of the sun;
- September 24 is the anniversary of the formation of the Department of Santa Cruz, when a grandiose festival is held.
- October 4 in the country celebrate 2 holidays: Virgen del Rosario and Huaylla. Religious processions, Catholic Masses, folklore dances are held in Bolivia;
- On November 1, the Virgen del Socavón festival takes place and the best collectives for the carnival are selected;
- Christmas Day is December 24-25. Each department has its own program of celebrations.
Holidays in Bolivia a huge amount and to visit, of course, I want everywhere. Therefore, no matter what time of year you come to the country, you can still visit the festival or a religious celebration.