Category: Festivals & Holidays

Each year, in the first half of September, the serene city of Sucre transforms into a voracious party zone featuring non-stop dancing, joyful music, delicious food and elaborate costumes, all in honour of Sucre’s patroness, the Virgin of Guadalupe. Contents History of the Virgin in Sucre Affectionately known as Mamita de Guadalupe, the Virgin de […]

Every two years, artists from all over the world flock to Sucre to partake in a festival of multicultural artistic expression. Held over two weeks in the months of October/November, more than 2000 local and international artists, writers, musicians and photographers come together to exhibit their works at the International Culture Festival. During the festival the city’s streets come alive with paintings, […]

Located in the Chuquisaca department, about 65 km east of Sucre, is a town famous not only for its vibrant open air market and unique Yampara culture, but its annual two-day weekend fiesta held each year on March 12.

On the 6th of August, Bolivia celebrates its independence from the Spanish Empire. If you happen to be in the country on this historic day, Sucre is the perfect place to experience the lively atmosphere, unique culture and patriotic spirit of the nation. Historic Significance of Independence Day Known as Upper Peru or Charchas for the most […]

May 25th holds a special significance for Sucre, and for Latin America as a whole. Over 200 years ago, on 25 May 1809, Sucre was the scene of a pivotal event in the continent’s history: the first cry for freedom. At the time, much of Latin America was under Spanish rule. But a French invasion of […]

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the week leading up to, but not including, Easter Sunday. The Christian holiday is observed throughout Latin America with Sucre being no exception, though celebrations in Bolivia’s capital are more peaceful and subdued than elsewhere.

This post is part of our series: Carnaval in Sucre. The Tuesday after Carnaval goes by several names: Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras and, in Bolivia, Challa. The day offers one last chance of Carnaval celebrations before the onset of Lent. The main celebration of the day is that of “Martes de Challa”. The celebration of Martes […]

This post is part of our series: Carnaval in Sucre. The main event of Sucre’s Carnaval celebrations is the Carnaval Grande de Sucre, or Sucre’s Big Carnaval. Carnaval Grande de Sucre has been the highlight of Sucre’s Carnaval celebrations ever since its heyday between 1920 and 1950. Beginning on the afternoon of Carnaval Sunday, the […]

This post is part of our series: Carnaval in Sucre. A week after the celebration of Compadres, Sucre celebrates its counter-part: Comadres. Held the Thursday prior to the main Carnaval weekend, Comadres is a female-only holiday. Reminiscent of a giant hens’ night, Comadres sees the women of Sucre enjoy a day of celebration, while being […]