Celebrating the Aymara New Year
25 June 2010 at 05:22 alexisguild 3 comments
by Alexis Guild, KF11 Bolivia
Happy Aymara New Year! What? You didn’t realize that Monday was the Aymara New Year? Did you know that it was a national holiday? I didn’t realize it either until a couple of weeks ago.
The Aymara New Year coincides with the winter solstice, June 21. (Remember, we are in the southern hemisphere so it’s winter here right now). Traditionally, the Aymara New Year dates back to pre-colonial times as an agricultural ritual to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Inti (Father Sun). The biggest celebration is in the city of Tiwanaku near Lake Titicaca – the ancient center of Aymara culture – and begins just before dawn as the first rays of the sun hits the Puerta del Sol (the Gate of the Sun).
Since I was here, I wanted to see the festivities. No, I did not go to Tiwanaku. Too far. Too many tourists. Instead, I went to El Alto where there was a smaller celebration taking place. In El Alto, which is about 90% Aymara (so I was told), there were about 200 people taking part in the festivities. Unlike Tiwanaku, my friends and I were the only gringos. The ceremony began around 6:30am and consisted of drums, horns, a bonfire, dance, and prayers. The bonfire was people’s various offerings to the gods; small replicas of houses, animals, cars, etc. I was told that these are there wishes for the New Year. As the sun rose over the mountains of La Paz, people raised their palms towards the sky, praying in a combination of Aymara and Spanish. I did not understand the prayers so I could not tell you what they were praying for but I was happy to be able to take part in the celebration.
Interestingly enough, Evo Morales figured prominently in the ceremony. One man, brought a campaign poster and pumped his fists in the air everytime Evo’s name was mentioned. In fact, Evo Morales (who himself is Aymara) was the one who declared the Aymara New Year a national holiday last year.
Discussions with colleagues brought up some interesting questions about the Aymara New Year and the complex nature of Bolivia and Bolivian politics today. According to the CIA factbook, Aymara comprise 25% of the population while Quechua comprise 30% of the population. They are the two largest indigenous groups in the country but not the only ones.
Some questions to consider (which I do not have answers for but would be interested to hear your thoughts): Is the declaration of the Aymara New Year as a national holiday a step in the path of indigenous empowerment? Should other indigenous festivals (Quechua or Guaraní) also be declared national holidays? What does it mean to live in a “plurinational state”, as declared in 2009 when the new Bolivia consitution was passed?
I am not sure if these questions have answers but I thought I would pose them to you. I look forward to hearing your thoughts or any other questions you may have about Bolivia.
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Entry filed under: Bolivia, IMPRO, KF11 (Kiva Fellows 11th Class), Pro Mujer Bolivia. Tags: .
1. Whitney Sutak | 8 July 2010 at 22:18
Hey Alexis!
How awesome that you were able to take part in the new year’s celebration in El Alto! i’ve been spending a lot of time recently reading about Bolivia and South America and when I saw you were working there i got all excited! anyways, in response to your question, i think making the Aymaran New Year a nationally recognized holiday is empowering for all indigenous groups and was probably a good decision. i’m just thinking if you want to empower people, you have to provide real opportunity, like Kiva does right? and things like schools, literacy programs, health clinics, etc… but also make symbolic gestures to boost self worth and make indigenous people feel like they are equal and valued and assure them that things are progressing forward. i would hope that Morales recognizes the other indigenous groups as well; however, in my opinion i don’t think he should put too much emphasis on this since it creates a lot of conflict and distracts people from more useful progressive efforts. As for living in a pluralistic society, i would think that means that the people, not corporate powers and/or outside governments decide the fate for the country and what direction it goes in. Like a direct democracy, where all people’s needs are considered and their solutions to major problems are considered. is it bad that that sounds so utopian?
hope you’re doing well and enjoy the rest of your stay in Bolivia!!!
2. sajid | 26 June 2010 at 07:26
my wishing always with u
3. Hold the champagne…a controversial Aymaran New Year « Answers to Questions in Bolivia | 25 June 2010 at 12:27
[...] in hearing about celebrations and festivities, Alexis Guild (Kiva Fellow in La Paz) has an excellent post about what she experienced in El Alto. Interestingly enough, El Alto is 90% Aymaran and out of the [...]