Introduction
Bolivia is a South American country that is found at the Andes Mountains. It has a great population of Native Americans. Out of all the Andean countries, Bolivia remains the most culturally linked to the indigenous people. Bolivia's ethnic groups are 30% Quechua, another 30% are Mestizo, 25% Aymara, and 15% white.
Religion
In Bolivia, religion is an important part of culture and customs. Bolivia has two main religions Roman Catholic and Protestant, 95% of Bolivians are Roman Catholic and 5% of the Bolivians Protestant. Most Bolivians are born into Roman Catholicism. Religion tends to be a female dominated activity in terms of attending church.
Language
Spanish is the main and official language in Bolivia. However there are 39 other languages spoken by the people of Bolivia. Some examples of the other languages are Aymara, Chiquitano, Chiriguano, and Guyara.
Music
Bolivian music is bright and festive, but it also has a long history. Since the Bolivians were dominated by Spain and its attendant culture, even after Bolivia gained it's independence in August 6, 1825. Bolivian music was still largely based on European form. The most commonly used instruments are the flutes, drums, bronze gongs, cooper bells, and the charango(a string instrument that resembles a small guitar). Together these instruments make a perfect sound.
Food
Lunch is the main meal in Bolivia. It usually includes soup and a main dish. Potato is served mostly in every meal often with rice or noodles. Bolivian food is not often spicy but a sauce called "La llajwa" is usually available.
Some popular dishes are...
Some popular dishes are...
- Humitas - Fresh corn with cheese wrapped in corn leaves and steamed.
- Salteñas - Only eaten in the morning. A warm savory pastry that holds a juicy combination of chicken or meat.
- Empanadas - A savory pastry containing cheese or cheese onions, olives or locoto.
- Sandwich de chola - Sandwich with roasted pork leg, lettuce and locoto.
- Changa de pollo o conejo - Soup made with chicken or guinea pig, potatos, peas, avas and green onion.
- Chicharron - Pieces of fried pork, cooked with chichas and served with stewed corn.
- Charque de llama - dried Llama meat, fried, served with stewed corn, hard cooked egg and cheese.
- Lechon - Roast suckling pig.
Common Bolivian Drinks
- Chicha - Fermented corn (Usually home made) - the sacred drink of the Incas.
- Chicha de mani - Soft drink with peanuts.
- Tojori - Hot thick drink made from mashed white corn.
- Beers - Taquiña, Paceña, Huari.
- Wines - There are excellent wines from the Tarjina region on the frontier with Argentina.
Customs
- Many Bolivians are very superstitious. They will often try an old custom to cure a sick person or visit a traditional healer before seeking modern medical attention.
- Families are very close-knit. Extended families almost always live together, particularly in the country. Grandparents, parents, children, and often many aunts and uncles or multiple families will share a home.
- Bolivian greetings: Women always greet with a single kiss on the right cheek (when greeting both men or women). Men greet women with a kiss on the cheek. They greet other men with a handshake.
- Bolivians are typically very curious. They will often ask how much someone gets paid or how much an item cost. This is not considered to be rude in their culture; however it’s usually advisable not to share that information with them.
- Bolivians are very friendly and talkative. They enjoy having a conversation with people from another culture. They will usually ask many questions. If you have a question or need help, they’re always willing to offer a hand.
- Bolivians are very open to the Gospel. If you sit down with a Bible, they will often come over and ask what you’re reading or even directly ask you to tell them about Jesus.
Tradition
The Bolivians have many rich traditions that will survive for generations to come and will never die just like the other Andean countries.
Sports
The main sport in Bolivia is soccer. Bolivians like to joke that soccer is like a religion and the truth is that soccer fanatics really are addicted to the game. Some even get into physical fights after soccer games.There are also many other sports in Bolivia such as tennis, raquetball, golf, horseback riding, Swimming, gymnastics, car racing, skiing, hiking, climbing, running and jogging, volleyball, roller blading, mountain biking, water skiing(Which is not common because many people cant afford them), and whitewater rafting. American football, baseball, ice hockey and ice skating are not played in Bolivia. Bolivians do not play ice hockey or skate because Bolivia has no ice rinks.
Dress
Bolivian clothing, dress and hat styles differ by region. There are at least thirty different typical Bolivian dress styles among the native Bolivian indigenous cultures, each with its own styles for men, women, festivities and cloths to wear every day.