Major Events & Festivals in La Paz, Bolivia
1. Inti Raymi Festival
An ancient Incan ritual dedicated to the sun god, Inti. Held annually in June at Sacsayhuaman archaeological site, just outside La Paz.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides a unique opportunity to learn about the Incan culture and traditions
- Authentic Experience: Features traditional music, dance, and costumes that are an integral part of Bolivia's heritage
- Historical Significance: Reenactment of ancient rituals offers a glimpse into the past and their continued relevance today
2. Diablada de La Paz
A traditional Bolivian dance performed during Carnival season, featuring devil-like characters in elaborate costumes.
- Cultural Entertainment: Offers a captivating spectacle of local culture and artistry
- Community Spirit: Brings together the people of La Paz in celebration and camaraderie
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Creates a lively, energetic environment that leaves a lasting impression
3. Fiesta de San Pedro
Celebrated on June 29th in honor of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. Traditional activities include boat races and fishing competitions.
- Local Celebration: Allows visitors to immerse themselves in a local tradition
- Natural Beauty: Takes place at the beautiful Lake Titicaca, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere
- Community Bonding: Brings together community members for friendly competition and camaraderie
4. Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cinta
A religious festival held in September to honor the Virgin of La Cinta, the patroness of La Paz. The city is adorned with flowers and processions take place.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about the religious practices and beliefs of the people of La Paz
- Visual Splendor: Featuring vibrant flowers and elaborate decorations, it's a spectacle for the senses
- Community Unity: Brings together the people of La Paz in celebration and prayer
5. Alas de Oro International Balloon Festival
An annual event held in August where colorful hot air balloons fill the sky over La Paz. Night glows and tethered rides are also offered.
- Photographic Opportunities: Offers incredible opportunities for stunning photography
- Unique Experience: Provides a one-of-a-kind experience to float above the city in a hot air balloon
- Entertainment Value: Features live music, food vendors, and other family-friendly activities
6. Fiesta de la Candelaria
A religious celebration held in February to honor the Virgin of Candelaria. Processions, food, music, and dance are all part of the festivities.
- Religious Devotion: Allows visitors to experience the deep religious devotion of the people of La Paz
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a unique opportunity to learn about local traditions and practices
- Community Spirit: Brings the community together in a joyous celebration of faith and culture
7. Fiesta del Gran Poder
A religious festival held in October to honor Saint Christ of Warisata. The event includes a procession carrying the statue through the streets.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse oneself in local traditions and practices
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion
8. Fiesta de San Juan
A festival held on June 24th to honor Saint John the Baptist. Traditional activities include boat races and fishing competitions.
- Local Celebration: Allows visitors to immerse themselves in a local tradition
- Natural Beauty: Takes place at the beautiful Lake Titicaca, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere
- Community Bonding: Brings together community members for friendly competition and camaraderie
9. Fiesta de la Cruz del Condor
A religious festival held in May to honor the Holy Cross. The event takes place at the Cruz del Condor lookout point, offering breathtaking views of the Condoriri Mountains.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Condoriri Mountains and the surrounding landscape
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion
10. Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro
A religious festival held on September 4th to honor the Virgin of Sorrows. The event includes a procession and mass.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse oneself in local traditions and practices
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion
11. Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro de Macha
A religious festival held on September 8th to honor the Virgin of Sorrows. The event includes a procession and mass, as well as traditional music and dance.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse oneself in local traditions and practices
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion
12. Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro de Sica Sica
A religious festival held on September 8th to honor the Virgin of Sorrows. The event includes a procession and mass, as well as traditional music and dance.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse oneself in local traditions and practices
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion
13. Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro de Achacachi
A religious festival held on September 8th to honor the Virgin of Sorrows. The event includes a procession and mass, as well as traditional music and dance.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse oneself in local traditions and practices
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion
14. Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro de Omasuyos
A religious festival held on September 8th to honor the Virgin of Sorrows. The event includes a procession and mass, as well as traditional music and dance.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse oneself in local traditions and practices
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion
15. Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro de Pacajes
A religious festival held on September 8th to honor the Virgin of Sorrows. The event includes a procession and mass, as well as traditional music and dance.
- Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of Bolivian religion
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse oneself in local traditions and practices
- Community Unity: Brings the community together in a powerful display of faith and devotion