Bolivia Holidays
By Robert Barbaro
Bolivia Background
-Approximately 76% of the Bolivian population is Roman Catholic
-Bolivia is located directly in the center of South America. It borders Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile.
Holidays in December & January
- New Years Day (Año Nuevo) January 1
- Three Wise Men Day (Los Tres Reyes Magos) January 6
- Plurinational State Foundation Day (Fundación del Estado plurinacional) January 22
Christmas Day Traditions in Bolivia
- It is also very common for families to make their own ornaments for their tree. They would usually be made with a material like paper maché.
- On Christmas Eve church bells ring to call families to attend the "Misa del Gallo" a Catholic mass that takes place at midnight. Families gather to feast after the mass and their meals usually consist of picana, salads, roast pork, and tropical fruit.
- It is also customary for them to drink hot chocolate and eat buñuelos on Christmas morning.
- The canastón is another common tradition. It is a very large gift basket given to employees from employers the day before a vacation. It usually consists of food staples such as ketchup, mustard, bread, jam, crackers, cookies, sugar, rice, flour, chocolates, and candy. Panetón and cidra are also included.
- At midnight on Christmas Eve fireworks are set off (Like on the 4th of July).