Carnival in Bolivia is threatened by extinction because as time moves forward, the people also are evolving into modern times and not following their heritage and ancient rituals any longer. The city of Oruro in Bolivia is the unlikely spot for Bolivia’s folkloric traditions. On top of a high alto plain some 12,159 ft. in the sky surrounded by mountains this city still recreates a ritual theatrical ceremony dating back some 600 years. The plot of the play is the Rivalry between Wari, the lord of the earthquakes, and Inti Wara, the dawn daughter of the sun. Wari tries to destroy Wara and when he cannot, he turns the people of earth against her and makes them suffer. Wara comes to Earth to save mankind and destroys all the Devils created by Wari and teaches the people to walk the correct righteous path. The ending of the play Wara turns into a virgin and becomes saint of all miners, and the evil Wari becomes silent uncle underground.
The carnival takes place for eight days and is associated with the drinking of lots of beer and eating fermented cereal, yuck .The Diablada, or devil dance as it is known is the centuries- old ritual. The people spend months getting their masks and costumes prepared for this event. There are two different enactments involved during carnival in Bolivia, the reenactment of conquest by Spanish conquistadores, and the triumph of Michael the archangel as he defeats the seven deadly sins. The carnival always gives homage to the patron saint of miners the Virgen del Socavon by singing a Quecha hymn, which is the language she taught them.
In the last few years an organization created to help preserve dying traditions and preserve theatrical history has been established. The UNESCO has been gathering information, and seeking out masters of the trades in every country they can, and they have been filming the productions and funding groups across the globe to keep the spirit of these century old productions alive and well for future generations to enjoy. Hopefully we all will be able to see and appreciate the history from around the world, if not by going to a mountain top in Bolivia, maybe by watching a production on television on PBS.
work cited
www.boliviacontact.com/en/sugerencia/carnaval/carnaval.php http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/carnavalinsouthamerica/a/bolcarnival.htm
Heather,
ReplyDeleteGood work. Complete and clear.