FESTIVAL MISIONES DE CHIQUITOS

During the restoration of the Jesuit Missions' churches, more than 13,000 scores of sacred music written during the 17th and 18th centuries by European and indigenous authors were found, which were performed daily until the middle of the 19th century in the Jesuit Missions. It is worth noting that this music was preserved by the Chiquitanos and Moxos tribes for 200 years with a passion and respect that was kept secret, and with general indifference. For them, the scores of their "forefathers" were a sacred treasure that had to be preserved from humidity and heat.

Created in 1996, the Festival Internacional de Música Renacentista y Barroca Americana "Misiones de Chiquitos" aims to disseminate the musical heritage of the former Jesuit missions of Chiquitos (1691-1767) and Moxos (1681-1767). This festival has become one of the largest musical events in South America. It features more than 800 musicians from all over the world during more than ten days and nearly a hundred concerts in all the cities of the Jesuit Missions as well as in Santa Cruz, Porongo, Buena Vista, Cotoca, Roboré, Santa Rosa..

Several tours are proposed by agencies that are surfing on the growing popularity of the festival. It must be said that the almost mystical atmosphere that reigns during a recital in a Jesuit mission or in one of the baroque churches of the region is particularly bewitching.