On this page you get to know unique things about Bolivia that makes Bolivia a great tourist destination. The Republic of Bolivia is a closed in country located in central region of South America. It is bordered by Paraguay and Argentina on the south, Brazil on the north and east, and Chile and Peru on the west. With a rich historical background, culture and dotted with beautiful tourist attractions, the country of Bolivia is mesmerizing.
Festivals in Bolivia
The religious festivals of Bolivia are very interesting and thrilling. Pagan rites and rituals dating back to the pre-Columbian period are still common during the religious festivals of the Indians. The unique devil dances at the annual carnival of Oruro are amongst the great folkloric events of Bolivia, South America. Similarly, Anata Andina and the "carnival" at Tarabuco (Pujllay) or the Tinku-fertility rites celebrated at Macha every 3rd of May are equally popular.
Bolivia Music
Bolivia's regional folk music is distinguishing and pleasingly varied. In the Andean regions music is played during the festivals and the dances. Some of the traditional melody contains heavy Spanish influences. Among the most common musical instruments of Bolivia are sicu, charango, copper bells, quena, pinkillo, tharqa, bronze gongs and skin drums among others.
Alcohol
Bolivia's traditional alcoholic drink is called chicha, which is a whitish, sour brew made from fermented corn and drunk from a semi-circular bowl. It's habitual to drop a bit of chicha on the ground before and after drinking as an offering to Pachamama- the Inca earth godess. Another traditional drink of Bolivia is Singani- grape liquor that is mixed in with Sprite or ginger ale with lime garnish to make a cocktail called chuflay. Besides, there are numerous local beers, the most popular of all being largest being Paceña. Other popular drinks include Licuado and Vitaminico.
Bolivia Dances
The dances of Bolivia are very much influenced by European cultures. Caporales is among the most popular Bolivian dance. In the recent years, this form of dance has developed not only in the Highlands, where it comes from, but also in the Lowlands and in the Bolivian communities outside the country. Other dance forms include Kullawada, Morenada, Doctorcitos, Diablada, Macheteros, Suri Sicuri, Ch´utas, Taquirari, Waca Waca, Tinku, Pujllay and Tobas among many others.
Bolivian Art
The Spanish brought their own tradition of religious art which, intermingled with the art of local artisans and mestizo builders, and finally developed into a rich and distinctive style of architecture, painting, and sculpture popularly known as "Mestizo Baroque." Important Bolivian artists of the 20th century include Guzman de Rojas, Arturo Borda, Maria Luisa Pacheco, and Marina Nunez del Prado among others. |
