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Making a little deal out of big dreams, Alasitas is a unique festival found only in Bolivia.
The pre-Columbian (before 1492) Aymara people of Bolivia ushered in the fall harvest season with a pagan festival celebrating the goddess of abundance, Ekeko. Prayers with offerings of miniaturized objects to the goddess informed the ritual, with hopes of being blessed with abundance in the coming year.
With the arrival of Christianity, the festival folded into the pre-Lent celebrations. Later, the anniversary of the January 24, 1781 battle between the Bolivians and imperial Spain marked its beginning, making it a civic holiday.
Today Alasitas is held annually beginning on the battle's anniversary in the city of La Paz and continues for a month, usually until the first day of Lent. Priests and shamans perform blessings. Everything in the town goes small, from fun-size food to tiny bicycles, dolls, and plants. Even money and houses are miniaturized for those wishing for either in the upcoming year.
These little dreams and indulgences are part of the celebration. Bolivians purchase and collect miniature dolls, furniture, plants, and other collectibles to represent their hopes and wishes for the coming year and eat mini meals of itty bitty foods. Globally, Alasitas is often referred to as The Festival of Miniatures, bringing the festival and traditions full circle to their cultural origins.
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