La Paz, 1 April - The Bolivian Police on Wednesday captured three criminals which claimed $ 29,000 for the rescue of two Swiss tourists and that would be part of a larger criminal organization of Ramiro Milán Fernández, a.k.a. as "El Choco", imprisoned in La Paz accused of murdering two Austrian tourists.
The caught criminals, who kidnapped tourists In La Paz in the area of the Cemetery, are Hugo Omar Puita Ampuero, Giovani Guido Zalles Laura and Barba Katia Jimena Arriaga.
The Interior Minister Alfredo Rada, congratulated the Police for the results being achieved in the fight against crime.
The second secretary of the Swiss Embassy in Bolivia, Eros Robbiani, thanked the Government and the Police for the arrest of the kidnappers.
The Commander of the Bolivian police, Gen. Víctor Hugo Escobar explained that the March 21 Special Force to Fight Crime (FELCC) received a complaint about the kidnapping of the two Swiss citizens.
According to the director of national FELCC Humberto Echale, the two Swiss tourists were first contacted in Copacabana in March 19 by the kidnappers; once they have gained the tourist confidence the band proceeded with the kidnapping near the Municipal Cemetery. Then the kidnappers contacted their families in Switzerland, demanding a ransom of $ 30,000 US dollars.
Once the ransom was paid, the tourists were released under threat of death, but raised in the complaint that initiated FELCC research to find the criminals.
Carnaval in Bolivia 2009
The larges party in the country by far. The country becomes a party zone, especially in Oruro, Tarija, La Paz and Santa Cruz, with parades and street parties. Parades include local dances and costumes.
Many are the adjectives for the Carnival in Bolivia. Grand, majestic, magnificent, wonderful, etc. those are some of the adjectives with which this event is described. It combines the ancient customs of each region, department, city and rural community in the country, with Catholic traditions brought over the colony.
The diversity of options varies according to geography and cultures of each region. No matter where you are during the Carnaval you will have a blast for sure. The Carnaval in Bolivia is a synonym for good times and party, all mixed with music and tradition.
Oruro Carnaval
Declared by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, "the lavish Carnaval in Oruro" features a vast wealth Cultural Heritage, which combines dance and music with the devotion to Our Lady of Socavón.
This expression represents the greatest folkloric shows in Bolivia, with dances such as the Devils, Moreno, Caporales, Tinkus, Llamerada, Sicuris, Incas, Antawaras, Tobas, Wacas Waca, Kullawadas, Pujllay and others, whose members, besides orureños, come from all regions of the country, as well as from abroad, to express through dance, their faith and devotion.
The first trial or "Convite", known as "The Promise" to the Virgin begins in early November and serves to open the carnival and make a commitment to dance three years consecutively. This pledge is endorsed on the last "Convite", which takes place a week before Carnival Sunday.
The “Entrada de Carnaval” (Carnival Parade) takes place on Saturday 21st, it’s the highlight of the Oruro Carnaval, when dancers wearing luxurious costumes will parade a long the city and spectacle of more than 50 fraternity with more than 500 participants each accompanied by large musical bands. The fiesta runs until the early hours of Sunday. That day is "The Dawn" or greeting to the Virgin by the dancers who, enlivened by bands and fraternities gathered at the Socavón, showing the skill and Bolivian musical richness.
At these dates Oruro receives over 500,000 tourists, between local and foreign. This event generates around $ 8 million dollars in business, for the four days of Carnaval. The Carnival of Oruro is a magnificent demonstration of pagan costumes and religious devotion. It is an amazing demonstration of folk culture, involving young and old people; without distinction of social classes or race.
Santa Cruz Carnaval
It reflects the joyous spirit of the Santa Cruz habitants. It Begins one month before the Carnaval with the "pre-carnavaleras" in which all the groups (Comparsas) elect their Queen. A week before the carnival takes place in “mini-corso”, with the proclamation of the Carnaval Queen; witch is selected among the Comparsas Queens.
On Carnaval Saturday, from evening until dawn of Sunday of the carnival takes place in the spectacular “Corso” (Carnival Parade) with the Comparsas dancing in the streets about 300 of them. They dance through the city streets to the beat of drum bands. During the parade, expectators enjoy the luxury and colorful of the Comparsas costumes, impressive floats carrying the Comparsa queens.
The show reaches its pinnacle when the Carnaval Queen enters the main stage. The party continues on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, days in which people dance and play in downtown streets; playing with water, foam and paint.
When? This year it starts on Friday February 20 and last till March 1st. This event normally takes place during February or March (It's a Movable celebration conciding with the beggining of Lent on the Catholic Calendar)
Many are the adjectives for the Carnival in Bolivia. Grand, majestic, magnificent, wonderful, etc. those are some of the adjectives with which this event is described. It combines the ancient customs of each region, department, city and rural community in the country, with Catholic traditions brought over the colony.
The diversity of options varies according to geography and cultures of each region. No matter where you are during the Carnaval you will have a blast for sure. The Carnaval in Bolivia is a synonym for good times and party, all mixed with music and tradition.
Oruro Carnaval
Declared by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, "the lavish Carnaval in Oruro" features a vast wealth Cultural Heritage, which combines dance and music with the devotion to Our Lady of Socavón.
This expression represents the greatest folkloric shows in Bolivia, with dances such as the Devils, Moreno, Caporales, Tinkus, Llamerada, Sicuris, Incas, Antawaras, Tobas, Wacas Waca, Kullawadas, Pujllay and others, whose members, besides orureños, come from all regions of the country, as well as from abroad, to express through dance, their faith and devotion.
The first trial or "Convite", known as "The Promise" to the Virgin begins in early November and serves to open the carnival and make a commitment to dance three years consecutively. This pledge is endorsed on the last "Convite", which takes place a week before Carnival Sunday.
The “Entrada de Carnaval” (Carnival Parade) takes place on Saturday 21st, it’s the highlight of the Oruro Carnaval, when dancers wearing luxurious costumes will parade a long the city and spectacle of more than 50 fraternity with more than 500 participants each accompanied by large musical bands. The fiesta runs until the early hours of Sunday. That day is "The Dawn" or greeting to the Virgin by the dancers who, enlivened by bands and fraternities gathered at the Socavón, showing the skill and Bolivian musical richness.
At these dates Oruro receives over 500,000 tourists, between local and foreign. This event generates around $ 8 million dollars in business, for the four days of Carnaval. The Carnival of Oruro is a magnificent demonstration of pagan costumes and religious devotion. It is an amazing demonstration of folk culture, involving young and old people; without distinction of social classes or race.
Santa Cruz Carnaval
It reflects the joyous spirit of the Santa Cruz habitants. It Begins one month before the Carnaval with the "pre-carnavaleras" in which all the groups (Comparsas) elect their Queen. A week before the carnival takes place in “mini-corso”, with the proclamation of the Carnaval Queen; witch is selected among the Comparsas Queens.
On Carnaval Saturday, from evening until dawn of Sunday of the carnival takes place in the spectacular “Corso” (Carnival Parade) with the Comparsas dancing in the streets about 300 of them. They dance through the city streets to the beat of drum bands. During the parade, expectators enjoy the luxury and colorful of the Comparsas costumes, impressive floats carrying the Comparsa queens.
The show reaches its pinnacle when the Carnaval Queen enters the main stage. The party continues on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, days in which people dance and play in downtown streets; playing with water, foam and paint.
When? This year it starts on Friday February 20 and last till March 1st. This event normally takes place during February or March (It's a Movable celebration conciding with the beggining of Lent on the Catholic Calendar)
Constitutional Referedum
On January 25, a Constitutional Referendum will take place in Bolivia, for the first time in the history of the country the citizens will be asked, if they approve or reject a new Constitution. (So far, Bolivia has had 16 previous Constitutions).
The National Electoral College orders that, 48 hours before the event a "dry Law" is set in place so no alcohol will sold during the days prior to the Referendum.
In the day of the Referendum, airports, ports, road and streets will be closed to traffic. Once the electoral event has concluded activities will go back to normal. Police, the Army, Local and National Authorities oversee the event and prevent any burst of violence or public disorder. If you are in the country or planning to arrive during this days you should plan accordingly.
The National Electoral College orders that, 48 hours before the event a "dry Law" is set in place so no alcohol will sold during the days prior to the Referendum.
In the day of the Referendum, airports, ports, road and streets will be closed to traffic. Once the electoral event has concluded activities will go back to normal. Police, the Army, Local and National Authorities oversee the event and prevent any burst of violence or public disorder. If you are in the country or planning to arrive during this days you should plan accordingly.
All Saints Day in Bolivia
It is religious holyday celebrated across the country, commemorates the memory of those who passed away. The tradition also known as “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the dead) is a mix of catholic and popular tradition, in which family and friends remember those who passed away. On this day the tradition says, that the souls of the deceased visit the living, and to welcome them families prepare their departed favorite meals and other treats also they tidy up the graves of their relatives ahead of All Saints Day accross the country.
Family and friends get together to remember and cherish the memory of those who left; during the celebration prayers are said for the souls of the departed and to ask god for their peaceful rest.
Modern life has changed this tradition a little bit and some people take advantage of the spring weather and the holyday to do some tourism; touristic sites like Coroico or Uyuni are normally at full capacity on this dates.
Family and friends get together to remember and cherish the memory of those who left; during the celebration prayers are said for the souls of the departed and to ask god for their peaceful rest.
Modern life has changed this tradition a little bit and some people take advantage of the spring weather and the holyday to do some tourism; touristic sites like Coroico or Uyuni are normally at full capacity on this dates.
Peace and tranquility are returning to Bolivia
Tensions and violence have been set aside, normal life has returned to Bolivia and negotiations between the opposing sides have at least for know stopped the violence. American Airlines and other international carriers are flying again regularly and airports are working with normality.
Still, the current situation of normality can change rapidly; points of possible violence are located on the eastern side of the country, mainly around Santa Cruz and Beni. Travelers should be aware of this and stay current with media coverage of local events.
Still, the current situation of normality can change rapidly; points of possible violence are located on the eastern side of the country, mainly around Santa Cruz and Beni. Travelers should be aware of this and stay current with media coverage of local events.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
