Colors of La Paz - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

La Paz is not by chance considered the cultural center of Bolivia. The city is characterized by many interesting traditions and customs. La Paz is called a city of contrasts following modern trends but still respecting its historical traditions and habits. On the city streets, one can often see local women wearing traditional bright clothes. Even today they prefer clothing made of natural wool. It is noteworthy that such clothes are worn even in quite hot weather, which helps people protect themselves against high temperatures. Local clothes are very colorful so don't be shy about wearing bright outfits.

Extraordinary weekend in La Paz - unusual places, services and attractions for travel gourmet

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Today, the big modern city has a lot of entertainment centers, but most of them are focused primarily on tourists. “Peñas” - small music clubs where folk music is performed - are most popular among townspeople. Many visitors are gathering here to listen to the sound of reed flute and other traditional musical instruments of the region.

An important component of the local culture is witchcraft, the traditions of which in Bolivia date back more than one thousand years. You can look for all the accessories and tools necessary for witchcraft rites on a very original market that is still relevant in the city. Such a mysterious market is a popular tourist attraction. After all, not every market can offer customers dried frogs, witch herbs and bottled aphrodisiacs. Here travelers can choose interesting souvenirs for loved ones; all kinds of talismans and amulets are especially popular among visitors. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Shopping in La Paz - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques

La Paz is able to surprise even the most experienced shoppers. A unique attraction is its street market Mercado de las Brujas. On this market they sell unique magical accessories, here you …

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Another important feature of the local culture, which causes contradictory feelings among many foreigners, is the predilection of local people for coca leaves. The plant was officially recognized as a soft drug, its legalization and use is strictly prohibited in most countries of the world. However, in La Paz, like in all other Bolivian towns, the consumption of coca is totally legal.

Here they simply chew the leaves of this plant, which is a kind of tonic for local people. Not so long ago, modern researchers conducted a large-scale program, during which the use of coca was partially justified. Bolivia is one of the most mountainous countries in the world so local residents are forced to experience low atmospheric pressure constantly. Such climatic conditions are far from being good for well-being; therefore, to tone up and gain strength, the use of coca leaves in such conditions is fully justified.

Guide to La Paz sightseeing - things to see and to visit

La Paz is a city in Bolivia. This is the virtual capital of the republic located in the center of the South America continent. The official capital of Bolivia is Sucre. La Paz is located in …

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La Paz lives a rich festive life - many symbolic celebrations take place here throughout the year. Every year, the city holds a traditional carnival, during which you can watch performances of famous folk groups. On the festive days, the best music and dance groups from all over the country perform in the city. The main event within the framework of the carnival is costumed processions striking in their spectacularity.

One of the most unusual annual holidays is called "Day of the Skull". On this day, locals honor the memory of their departed relatives. According to the established historical tradition, they keep their deceased relatives' skulls at home. They are considered to be the strongest and irreplaceable guards against evil spirits.

Family holidays with kids in La Paz. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.

La Paz is considered an ideal resort for fans of active recreation. Travelers with children will also not be bored here. They should definitely visit the Zoologico Municipal Vesty Pacos de …

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On the holiday, townspeople take the skulls placed in special boxes with open walls and go to the cemetery where the priest blesses them. Solemn ceremonies are held in all local churches. On this day, the skulls are usually decorated with wreaths of natural flowers, beautiful fabrics, hats, and beads. One can see people with skulls in their hands on the streets all day long. The tradition of holding such a holiday was formed by locals in the pre-colonial period and remains relevant even now.

La Paz also celebrates more colorful and easy-to-understand holidays - for example, the annual Fiesta Gran Poder. The festival of dancers was first held in the '30s of the last century. City dwellers liked it so much that it became an annual celebration. Now the festival is so popular that about 30,000 performing artists take part in it. It is surprising that such a bright and noisy holiday has religious roots. The beautiful carnival is held in honor of Jesus Christ whose statue is carried at the head of the solemn procession. It is customary to hold the colorful festival at the end of May, it precedes the well-known Christian holy day of Pentecost

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City tours, excursions and tickets in La Paz and surroundings

Reference information

Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near La Paz
♥ Basílica de San Francisco, La Paz, 1.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, La Paz, 1.7 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basílica María Auxiliadora, La Paz, 2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Catedral Nuestra Señora de Luján, La Paz, 7.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Catedral de San Pedro y San Pablo, Coroico, 56.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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National traditions of Bolivia

There are quite a few shops and supermarkets in the country. The population prefers to buy basic goods in numerous markets. They buy food from women who sell it on the streets. You can bargain with the seller when visiting the market. You can get a bonus to the purchased product for this. There are no beggars and starving here, despite the fact that Bolivia is considered the poorest country on the continent. Streets are well maintained in most localities. The exceptions are poor neighborhoods in large cities. There is a bit of garbage on them. There are also no slums in the global sense. You won't find cardboard boxes converted to housing here. Houses are built thoroughly in Bolivia. … Open

Colors of La Paz - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

City tours, excursions and tickets in La Paz and surroundings

National traditions of Bolivia

Colors of La Paz in photos

Search for popular touristic sites on La Paz map

Traditions and festivals in cities around La Paz