Carnaval

In February, 40 days before Easter, Bolivia has a week-long event of street dancing, parades and lots of drinking. Carnaval is a tradition shared by most Latin American countries. A highlight for Bolivians is the designated Saturday for water balloon fights. I actually got hit by one when running Saturday afternoon. It was a good shot since I was quite a ways from the traffic.

Another popular tradition here is spraying foam. I braved the crowd with Mercedes at the parade and we were both covered in foam before we made it back to the house on Sunday! The parade was fun and light-hearted. However, we were cautioned that the evenings were dangerous, as most people begin the day drinking and by nightfall are well-intoxicated. The parade starts in the afternoon and ends sometime between 4-6am. One of the traditions of the parade is the dances such as the famous La Morenada (Dance of the Devil) that reenacts the dance of Africa slaves brought to the courts of Viceroy Felipe III. The costumes often include devilish, dark-faced masks. It's a good time to rest as well as to watch Bolivians (0n TV) having such a good time.

It's a blessing to see such a poor and normally-oppressed people laughing and having fun. The comraderie and fellowship is often anticipated for a year leading up to Carnaval. We may compare the event to something like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Although I have been to Mardi Gras and have to say that Bolivians seem mild in comparison to Americans when it comes to the partying. Of course I haven't seen much up close.

And that is until Tuesday, the last day, when the balloons are filled with permanant paint and launched at cars and people in the streets. Someone told me that anyone who chooses to drive on Tuesday usually "greases" their car so that the paint won't stick. The ones launching the paint often cover their faces in masks. The news said that this year the best-selling mask is one replicating Evo Morales, the frowned-upon president.

Carnaval ends today and all returns to normal tomorrow but supposedly more than a few people show up for work with serious hangovers ... anticipating next year's week-long festivities.