Culture and Lifestyle
The majority of the population in Bolivia live in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Greetings
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When meeting someone new, a handshake is the most common. You should also have direct eye contact when meeting that person or else it is considered rude. If you are saying hello to closer people like family members, a hug or pat on the back is a good thing to do. Women will also sometimes kiss others on the cheek.
Gender Roles
Student Expectations
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On average, Bolivia gives 23% of all their government money to schools. Most schools are from late February to December with a summer break in the middle.There are both public and private schools to attended to. Most upper class wealthy families go to private schools while the rest go to public. No matter where you go though, you will be required to take 12-14 mandatory classes in order to go to a university. Most of the schools also require you to wear uniforms every day and special uniforms when going on field trips or other special occasions.
Inappropriate behavior (taboo)
- Not showing direct eye contact when speaking to someone is considered untrustworthy
- Not having proper and good posture when standing or sitting in considered rude
- You should never eat with your fingers no matter what kind of food it is.
- It is impolite to show up to a dinner or party on time. You should be 15-30 minutes late.
- Never give political opinions about Bolivia.
Food and Drinks
When eating dinner, always have good posture. If someone makes you food, eat it all. you should never eat with your fingers and always eat with a fork, spoon, and knife. When eating out, the host will always insist on paying.
Some common foods and drinks are, Saltenas, Humita, Guinea Pig, and Roasted Duck
Saltenas
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A saltenas is a Bolivian baked empanada. There is a pastry crust on the outside with your choice of beef, pork, or chicken. It can also be mixed with spicy sauces to add flavor. Sometimes people will also put vegtables in their saltenas.
Humita
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Humita is a meal prepared with fresh corn combined with lard, salt, and queso fresco for a savory dish. For a more sweeter dish , you should add lard, sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. When you are all done preparing the inside, wrap it in corn husk. There are multiple ways to wrap a Humita. After that, boil your Humitas's in hot water.
Recreation and Fun
A few things that Bolivian's like to do for fun are play soccer, go to the movies, go to the beach, listen to music, and go to festivals. Bolivian's do just about every thing we do on a daily basis.
Music and Dance
Some popular music and dances are, Saya, Caporal, Diablada (Devil), Kantus, and Los Macheteros.
Los Macheteros
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Los Macheteros is a dance where many men carry long wooden swords and they preform with them. They where a long white shirt with fringes in it. They also wear a hat called a progi. It is decorated with feathers from the amazone parabas bird.
Muscians
Yalo Cuellar
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Yalo Cuellar was born in Yacuiba, Bolivia on December 26, 1963. Throughout his whole career so far, he has released 10 albums featuring Bolivia folk music. He is also in the process of creating a new genre of music called "Folk-Fusion". It is created when you mix folk music with electronic instruments.
Eddy Navia Dalence
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Eddy Navia Dalence is a composer and musician. He was born in in Potosi, Bolivia on September 6, 1949. He started a band in collage called the "Rebels". He had produced his first three albums in 1970. Later on in 2012, he was the first Bolivian artist to win a Grammy Award for his album of folk music called "Piano and Charango".
Carnaval de Oruro
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Carnaval de Oruro is a religious festival dating back more than 2000 years ago. during the festival, folk dancers dress up in bright and colorful costumes so then they can dance in front of all the people. The first dance of the festival in always "Diablada" or also known as "Devils Face". People dress up in giant red masks with horns to resemble the Devil. It is an 8 day parade with lost of different foods and drinks.