FIESTA DE JESÚS DEL GRAN PODER

This religious festival dates back to December 8, 1663, the date of the foundation of the Convento de las Madres Concepcionistas. A triptych representation of Jesus with three busts is worshipped there, representing the trinity. This statue used to roam the streets of the city until 1928 when a temple was built to house it on Gallardo Street, in the Chijini district of La Paz.

The Gran Poder is a perfect example of Bolivian religious syncretism: there are obviously Catholic masses and the adoration of the image of the SeñorJesúsdel Gran Poder, but also Aymara rites such as the Ch'alla, which consists in pouring liquid on the ground (most often alcohol...) to receive the blessing of the Pachamama and to thank her. As much to say that the Paceña, a beer produced in La Paz, flows freely during the festivities! The music of the marching bands gives rhythm to this day and the dancers of Kullawada, Morenada, Caporales, Tinkus, and Diablada, dressed in their clothes of light, follow one another throughout the festival. The festival gathers no less than 72 fraternities, that is to say 40 000 dancers and 7 000 musicians! The best fraternity is honored each year: in 2018 it was the Morenada Juventud Rosas Residentes de Viacha, "Los Legitimos", which made the best impression. In December 2019, the festival is declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. A colorful folkloric event and surely the most spectacular taking place in La Paz.