Alasitas

Alasitas is an annual festival held primarily in La Paz, Bolivia, beginning on January 24th. It centers around the worship of Ekeko, the Aymara god of abundance and prosperity. The festival is characterized by the purchase and exchange of miniature items, representing the things that people desire or need. These miniatures, ranging from tiny houses and cars to miniature diplomas and money, are believed to bring good fortune and make the represented wish come true if blessed by a yatiri (Aymara spiritual leader).

The festival has indigenous roots, predating the Spanish colonial period. The date of the festival was officially changed in 1781 to January 24th by the authorities, following the siege of La Paz led by Tupac Katari. This shift aimed to incorporate the indigenous tradition within a new framework.

During Alasitas, the Parque de las Alasitas (Alasitas Park) in La Paz becomes a bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling a vast array of miniature goods. People purchase these miniatures with the expectation that they will receive the real thing in the coming year. The act of buying and receiving a blessing is considered a key part of the ritual.

The Ekeko figure itself is a central component of the festival. Often depicted as a small, smiling, mustachioed man laden with goods, the Ekeko represents abundance and good fortune. Small Ekeko figurines are often placed in homes and businesses to attract prosperity.

The festival has evolved over time, incorporating both indigenous traditions and Catholic influences. While rooted in pre-Columbian beliefs, it has also adapted to modern life and the desires of contemporary society. The miniatures reflect the changing needs and aspirations of the people, making Alasitas a vibrant and dynamic cultural event.