Traditions In Bolivia - The Traveller

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Monday, January 2, 2012

Traditions In Bolivia


Mercados bolivianos

The market in Bolivia is a forum where the culture is preserved. Unlike other countries where the tourism side outweighs the rest, the focus mercados bolivianos different strata of society in the country, its communicating vessels, its traditions but also its contradictions. The places we chose are all rich in color, flavor and social relations.

- Punata: the absolute winner. The market Punata near Cochabamba occupies a city of nearly 10,000 inhabitants. Like the Moroccan souks, each place has a specialty or area (peppers, corn, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, hats, utensils to make the Chiquita and everything you can imagine). Is held every Tuesday.

- Tarabuco: the classic. The image of Bolivia is often associated with elegant yamaparáez peasants wearing the rise, the conquistador helmet of leather tanned and dressed in ponchos red and orange and purple or black (a sign of mourning). The exchanges are in the streets around the tambo, a colonial court. Here we swapped coca leaves against oranges casually playing the charango. The visit is made from sugar every Sunday.

A tip though: Try to make the market before that of Tarabuco Punata to avoid a big disappointment. Tarabuco is certainly interesting and worth a visit but it is much more touristy and especially Punata market is so big, so so wonderful, that Tarabuco looks like a small market town nearby.

- Tarija: the mercado central Calle Sucre, open daily. The "Chapacos" are nicknamed as the people of Tarija, eat breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in the traditional supermarket. The food and especially the local bread (los bollos) are extraordinary.

- Cochabamba: every day is held el mercado the Cancha. It is the largest market in South America! Very typical, there is absolutely everything.

- La Paz on the corner of Jimenez and Linares is the market the most amazing (and terrifying!) Of all Bolivia, el mercado de las brujas of hechicería or mercado (the market of witches or witchcraft). On the shelves, magic powders, herbs bizarre frogs, dried insects and all sorts of things essential for Aymara rituals. The product's most wanted here is the llama fetus. According to tradition Aymara, we must bury one to ensure the prosperity and the protection of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Above all, do not buy a llama fetus (prohibited exports) and do not take photos without the permission of a witch.

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