This morning I woke up early to ride 21km to downtown La Paz's Plaza Murillo to celebrate "Dia de la Madre Tierra." The rest of the world celebrates the same day on Friday - Earth Day. The many ironies that exist in Bolivia gives birth things like having the day of the Pachamama on the same day that Jesus Christ was crucified - Good Friday. It was a relatively anti-climatic event with President Evo Morales not present. There were some speeches which I was able to record but wasn't moved or very motivated by most of the speakers. The federal indigenous movement in Bolivia is not like it was during Morales's first term. It's clear from the blockades and protests around the country that the public is loosing faith in their leader. Because of the recent protests there has been talk about a possible civil war between Morales supporters and grassroots organizations like miners, teachers and government unions. I hope that in these remaining three and half years of Morale's presidency that he can turn things around and give Bolivians the fire they once had during the 2005 elections. Bolivia as a country needs more guidance not just from its government but from its citizens.
Today's event seemed more of a formality then a celebration that was created by the administration.
The more moving speech was made by the
Minister of Culture.
Offering and prayers made to the Pachamama
During the national anthem. It sounded a lot like the Chilean one.I would probably be shot dead if I was to say that on the streets.
Chile probably stole it from them - along with everything else.
Three generations - uniforms of war.
The entire day was filled with music.
It was clear that when the folkloric musicians
hit the stage their sound was made to be played
on the streets, not on the stage. These boys were
on the ground blowing and beating.
They sounded much better then the official
musical celebrations.
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