La Fiesta de las Alasitas is Bolivia's festival of small wishes, yearly held in different towns at different times. The largest fair is held yearly in the capital of La Paz, on January 24, when Bolivians buy miniatures representing the material goods they aspire to own and offer them to Ekeko, the God of Abundance.
The History of the Festival of Alasitas in Bolivia
There is not one conclusive theory about the origines of the Alasitas Festival. In the Aymará language, alasitas means "buy from me" and in pre-colonial times Alasitas was celebrated in September [Bolivian springtime], to ensure a good crop.
It is said that the Spanish changed the date to January 24 in commemoration of an indigenous uprising in 1781: the siege of La Paz by Tupac Katari. During the colonisation the Spanish tried to force Catholicism on the indigenous people. They partly succeeded, many Bolivians became Catholics, but in fact the Bolivian religion became a mix of Catholicism and traditional Andean beliefs and rituals.
Bolivian Culture – a mix of celebrations
Alasitas is a typical expression of the Bolivian culture – an intriguing potpourri of Catholicism mixed with centuries-old Andes traditions. The main divinity is Ekeko, but Catholic priests give their blessing to the newly acquired miniature goods as well, while simultaneously the Virgin of La Paz is honoured. Whereas the Franciscans focus on the Virgin, the yatiris – the local wizards – focus on Ekeko; the average Bolivian cares about both.
Alasitas is a festival for everybody and celebrated by Bolivians from all levels of society. It is celebrated by the inhabitants of villages, cities and countryside, by the highlanders and the lowlanders, by the indigenous and the criollos, as well as by western orientated entrepreneurs.
Who is Ekeko, Bolivia's God of Plenty?
Ekeko ["dwarf" in Aymará] is the household god and it is not unusual for Bolivians to have a representation of this short and chubby, happy-looking fellow in their home. To ensure good luck the statue should be received as a gift and not be personally bought. Ekeko brings wealth into the family and keeps misfortune at bay.
To obtain the favour of fortune, Bolivians like to present Ekeko with miniatures – mostly made of a sugary substance – of products they would like to own. These can be a house, a car, furniture, clothes, an airplane but also food. A miniature passport may be bought if one has the wish to travel, a university diploma in case one wants to study or when graduation is near.
Perfectly copied miniature dollar and euro notes are favoured over local bolivianos in case one wants wealth. Ekeko loves smoking, his statue has a special hole in the mouth to offer him a cigarette.
Where in La Paz is La Fiesta de las Alasitas Celebrated?
Calle Sagárnaga is La Paz' commercial centre of the indigenous handicraft of miniatures. This is the heart of the tourist centre where thousands of tourists stroll down the alleys in search of souvenirs and to admire the local curiosities of miniatures and other products that bring good fortune.
Bolivians especially come for the latter during Alasitas, and the streets are crammed with locals who need to buy their miniatures replicas in time – the blessings will take place around noon and they should be prepared by then.
The location of the ritual of blessings may change yearly. It is best to ask at a Tourist Information, or another tourist location such as a hotel, restaurant or museum where the main activities will be held.
Practical Information La Fiesta de las Alasitas – Tourist Information and Hotel Reservations
Other festivals in La Paz are, among others, Carnival and the procession of El Grand Poder. Note that during these festivals La Paz is crowded and that it is advisable to make hotel reservations well in advance. There is a large choice of low budget hostels as well as luxury hotels downtown La Paz, from where the festivals are on walking distance.
Another option is to book a hotel in Mallasa, about 12 kilometres from La Paz, which is a much quieter area. Buses ply to downtown La Paz frequently, which is the cheapest option; the alternative is to take a taxi for about 15 bolivianos [2 US dollars].
If you are already in La Paz and looking for accommodation, check with the Tourist Information on El Prado [La Paz main avenue]. The Tourist Information has a large selection of brochures and business cards of hotels and guesthouses [often called posadas].
Religious celebrations in South America
Travellers to South America may want to also check out these religious festivals:
- the Urkupiña Festival in Cochabamba.
- Fiesta Grande in Andacollo, Chile.
- Festivals and Pilgrimages in Luján, Argentina.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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