Cholita and pepino dancing at La Paz Carnival parades Bolivia
by James Brunker
Title
Cholita and pepino dancing at La Paz Carnival parades Bolivia
Artist
James Brunker
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
A cholita (the name given to Aymara women who wear traditional dress) and pepino take part in dance parades during Carnival celebrations in La Paz, Bolivia. Pepinos are particularly associated with Carnival in La Paz and are thought to be a variation of the Pierrot and Harlequin pantomime characters, whose origins go back to 17th century Italian comedy and theatre. Their appearance in La Paz's Carnival celebrations has been traced back to the late 19th century, they are fun loving characters who play jokes on the public and spectators at festival events. Carnival in La Paz officially begins when a pepino is resurrected from a coffin and ends when he is buried, both events involve large and colourful dance parades near the main cemetery in the city. Cholitas wearing the typical skirts called polleras, blouses and bowler hats are a common sight in La Paz and altiplano regions.
Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, transmission or use in any form without written permission strictly prohibited.
Uploaded
February 14th, 2024
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