This afternoon in Viento Sur we have dedicated the show to the Bolivian festival Alasita (“buy me” in the indigenous Aymara language) to pay homage to Ekeko, the squat mustached Bolivian Aymaran god of abundance. The Ekeko is a colorful statue load down with tiny items representing prosperity, abundance and good luck. This is an annual festival when Bolivians like to buy trinkets representing their wishes for the new year in the hope Ekeko will make them come true.
The festival of Alasita combines local Aymara traditions and Roman Catholic beliefs that have being celebrated in Bolivia every January 24 since 1781. In keeping with its traditional roots, a shaman often blesses the trinkets with incense, flower petals and rubbing alcohol. Many participants also climb the stairs to the Roman Catholic cathedral for the blessing of Our Lady of La Paz.
The festival of Alasita combines local Aymara traditions and Roman Catholic beliefs that have being celebrated in Bolivia every January 24 since 1781. In keeping with its traditional roots, a shaman often blesses the trinkets with incense, flower petals and rubbing alcohol. Many participants also climb the stairs to the Roman Catholic cathedral for the blessing of Our Lady of La Paz.
For information regarding this bolivian festivity visit the following links:
