Bolivia pays homage to ancient customs through folk dancing

Americas Now

In Bolivia, one popular way to preserve the tradition of the past is with folk dancing.

Every year, in cities like La Paz, several festivals feature such dances. Each folk dance is performed by a different cultural or ethnic group called a fraternity. They have names like Morenada, Thinkus and Diablada. The dances also have a theme or express the feelings of a group such as peasants, bullfighters or weavers of llama wool.

The elaborate costumes can include ostrich feathers and leather helmets. And unusual instruments like an erke, panpipe and various wind instruments create unique sounds.

Bolivia pays homage to ancient customs through folk dancing

In Bolivia, one popular way to preserve the tradition of the past is with folk dancing.