Carnaval is many things in Bolivia. It’s a party, a preparation for Lent, a rite of spring, an indigenous festival, a collective remembering, a drink fest, and a time for prayer and supplication. It is also a vital thread in the national fabric.
First and foremost however, it’s a dance. I’m told that a Bolivian politician once said that the country may be going to hell, but it’s going to hell dancing together. (more…)
So last weekend was Carnaval weekend in Bolivia. This is a big deal. Over four days, Bolivians all over the country devoted themselves to the truly important things in life, namely eating, drinking, dancing, watching parades, throwing water balloons, and setting off firecrackers.
Things started off last Friday with a feast called the Ch’alla. Around noon, Bolivians everywhere gathered to pay tribute to the Earth Goddess Pachamama (who shows up at all the best parties here in Bolivia). As in Alasitas, celebrants saluted Pachamama with food, wine, alcohol and flower petals. In an interesting twist, this time they also used firecrackers.
