HOLY WEEK
ORURO'S CARNIVAL
THE LITTLE WING OF PEACE
The 'alasitas' are miniatures that are
sold in markets and fairs in Bolivia
at the beginning of the rainy
season, but especially on January
24 of each year (in two days!).
These miniatures represent dreams
and wishes for the coming year.
The mentality is the following: if I
have it in miniature, it is easier for it
to come true!
It is a celebration of Ekeko, God of
abundance and happiness in the
home. This Bolivian tradition
consists of making an offering of
some (not to be abused) miniature
to Ekeko. For example, if it is rice
what you are asking for is food for
the whole year and if it is a suitcase
what you are asking for is a trip
The Oruro Carnival is considered by
Unesco 'Masterpiece of Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity'.
There are 18 dance specialties that,
from different parts of Bolivia, go to
worship the patron saint of the town:
the Virgen del Socavón
Also in the month of February the
Festival of the Virgen de la
Candelaria is celebrated. The
celebration takes place on the
shores of Lake Titicaca because it
is said that the Virgin Mary saved
fishermen trapped in a storm on this
lake.
The most characteristic of this week
of celebration are the processions,
very interesting for visitors and
tourists. On the Thursday after Palm
Sunday, almost all the churches
and cathedrals in Bolivia open their
doors, being a great opportunity to
discover their interiors.
Good Friday is characterized by
being accompanied by a great
typical and exotic meal to share with
family and friends. It's 12 plates!
The festivity ends at dawn on
Easter Sunday, where devotees
pray to God.
 LA CH'ALLA
The cha'lla is another of the Bolivian
traditions in which it is offered. This
time it is Pachamama, Divine Land,
which receives food, drink and
flowers. The ch'alla basically
consists of covering the earth with
petals and burying a pot of boiled
potatoes, cigarettes, coca leaves
and alcohol. Apart from eating,
Pachamama likes to have fun.
According to tradition, the
Pachamama feeds much more the essence of a
during these canal dates with the
gifts and offerings of her devotees.
country
Merchants who are dedicated to the
sale of k'oas recognize that people
have to have a lot of faith when
making the K`oa, they assure that if
the request is made with a lot of
faith, the Pachamama fulfills the
wishes.

If
it
is
in

the city, no pot is buried in the

asphalt, but a house, a car, a
business, etc. is decorated. with
colored streamers and petals.
Wherever it is, color and food
abound, both that offered to NOMBRE: MAURICIO CRUZ
The k'oa is also an act of reciprocity CURSO : 4to “B”
Pachamama and that enjoyed by
that people have with Pachamama MATERIA: ENGLISH
the celebrants.
to thank her for the favors received,
believers who improved their
situation

Customs and
THE K'OA
traditions of Bolivia: