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.
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.
Traveler Warning: Violence in Santa Cruz, Tarija & Sucre
Authorities of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, Tarija and Sucre are promoters of the violence, the opposition to the democratic government of Evo Morales have decided today, to increase the violence on the above mentioned departments indefinitely. Police recommends travelers to avoid, if possible, going through these regions, due to the violence and radicalism of the enforcers of the measure. More updates soon.
Travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between the promoters of this acts, security forces, demonstrators and bystanders, and escalate into violence. Travelers are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety. Travelers should stay current with media coverage of local events.In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers. Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor.The police will be on alert for potential civil unrest. Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal police patrols. As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use ruse or diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and theft are the most common street crimes during such periods. Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other portable valuables.
Travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between the promoters of this acts, security forces, demonstrators and bystanders, and escalate into violence. Travelers are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety. Travelers should stay current with media coverage of local events.In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers. Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor.The police will be on alert for potential civil unrest. Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal police patrols. As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use ruse or diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and theft are the most common street crimes during such periods. Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other portable valuables.
Road Blocks
Due to political reasons, roads are expected to be blocked indefinitely, starting on August 25th, around the Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca and Tarija departments. It includes the Yacuiba international border crossing. More updates soon. Date: 8/25/08
Update: Promoters of the blockades in the opposition to the democratic government of Evo Morales have decided today, to increase the blockades indefinitely to all roads on the above mentioned departments. Police recommends travelers to avoid, if possible, going through these regions, due to the violence and radicalism of the enforcers of the measure. More updates soon. Date: 9/3/08
Update: Promoters of the blockades in the opposition to the democratic government of Evo Morales have decided today, to increase the blockades indefinitely to all roads on the above mentioned departments. Police recommends travelers to avoid, if possible, going through these regions, due to the violence and radicalism of the enforcers of the measure. More updates soon. Date: 9/3/08
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