June 21 marks the Aymara New Year in Bolivia, coinciding with the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. This holiday, officially recognized in 2009 by President Evo Morales, is significant for indigenous groups who perform rituals to honor Pachamama and Inti for a successful harvest. The celebration, held prominently at Tiwanaku and across Bolivia, symbolizes the resurgence of pre-conquest traditions, fostering indigenous pride and blending with Catholic practices. Bolivia's rich spiritual landscape, from ancient sites to modern churches, attracts many to explore their spirituality. The article highlights the importance of these traditions in shaping Bolivia's social and political life.

Bolivia's rich cultural and ethnic diversity is explored through its complex history and the interactions between various indigenous groups, European colonizers, and Afro-Bolivians. The article delves into the evolving identities and racial categorizations within the country, highlighting the government's recognition of 36 original nations and the Afro-Bolivian community. It examines the blurred lines of identity, cultural exchanges, and political contentions, emphasizing the ambiguity and richness of Bolivian culture.

The article delves into the diverse environments of Bolivia, from the bustling markets of El Alto and La Paz to the serene lowlands of the Amazon Basin. It explores how individuals, both locals and foreigners, interact with and navigate these spaces, highlighting the cultural, political, spiritual, and metaphysical dimensions of their environments. The narrative emphasizes the complexity and richness of Bolivian spaces, beyond mere physical locations.

Bolivia's Chakaltaya mountain, once home to the world's highest ski resort, has lost its glacier due to climate change, symbolizing the country's vulnerability to global carbon emissions and erratic weather patterns. The rapid melting of the glacier and the recent disappearance of Lake Poopó highlight Bolivia's ongoing ecological crises. The article reflects on the transient nature of natural wonders and cultural treasures, suggesting that while some disappearances are catastrophic, others may pave the way for new opportunities.

The article reflects on the vibrant and unique colors experienced in Bolivia, particularly during nighttime rides into La Paz. It highlights how colors in Bolivia, from the white city of Sucre to the colorful murals in El Alto, play a significant role in the cultural and daily life of its people. The author shares personal experiences and emotions tied to these colors, emphasizing their importance in understanding and appreciating the country's rich cultural tapestry.

Explores the concept of labels and their impact on understanding people and landscapes in Bolivia. Discusses how labels, logos, and food packaging convey information and exercise power. Highlights the cultural significance of labels and the importance of looking beyond them to gain a deeper understanding of people and everyday life. Emphasizes the enriching experience of challenging prejudices and assumptions.

Fútbol is a central part of life in La Paz, with intense rivalries between local clubs Bolívar and The Strongest. The city is divided by the colors gold and blue, representing the two teams. This issue of Bolivian Express explores the cultural significance of these colors, from sports to local traditions and mental health. The passion for these colors is evident both inside and outside the stadium, reflecting the vibrant culture of La Paz and Bolivia.

Bolivia offers a diverse array of attractions spread across its vast geography, making travel essential to truly understand the country. This issue of Bolivian Express explores various journeys, both physical and metaphorical, to capture the essence of Bolivia. From train rides across the altiplano to cultural celebrations in La Paz, the magazine highlights the importance of experiencing the country's wide-ranging landscapes and cultural richness. The central message is that the joy of visiting Bolivia lies in the journey itself, not just the destinations.

Bolivia offers a rich tapestry of sensory experiences, from the bustling La Cancha market in Cochabamba to the world-famous Carnaval in Oruro. The latest issue of Bolivian Express explores the country's diverse cultural landscape, highlighting traditional and modern culinary delights, historical music preservation, and unique theatrical performances by children with disabilities. The mystical aspects of Bolivia, including yatiris and Andean cosmovision, are also celebrated, encouraging readers to fully immerse themselves in the country's vibrant culture and create their own memorable experiences.

In rural Bolivia, communal meals known as apthapis bring communities together, with each person contributing food to share. These gatherings, rich in tradition and communal spirit, allow people to connect, discuss business, and enjoy each other's company. The magazine issue explores various forms of gatherings in Bolivia, from motorcycle rallies in Cochabamba to mosque prayers in La Paz, highlighting the diverse ways people come together and the cultural significance of these events.

The article delves into the intricate relationship between urban and rural life in Bolivia, highlighting the Unidad Académica Campesina-Carmen Pampa as a focal point of cultural and educational exchange. It explores the migration trends driven by economic challenges in agriculture and mining, and the impact of climate change on rural communities. The narrative also showcases the resilience and dedication of local farmers like Benita Mollisaca and her son Reynaldo, who chose to stay in their community despite opportunities elsewhere. The piece underscores the deep connections between city and countryside, emphasizing the importance of rural areas in the broader Bolivian experience.

The coca leaf, a symbol of Bolivia, holds deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. It has been used for centuries for its stimulant, appetite suppressant, and anesthetic properties. The leaf is integral to sacred ceremonies and daily life, embodying vitality and energy. This issue of Bolivian Express explores various aspects of Bolivian life that reflect this vitality, from the Aymara cholitas scaling mountains to the positive influence of La Paz’s famous zebras. The magazine also highlights the contributions of Korean immigrants, advances in the transgender community, and the importance of superfoods and traditional practices in promoting wellbeing.

La Paz, named one of the Seven New Urban Wonders of the World by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2014, has seen significant cultural and economic growth. The city's teleférico system, burgeoning gastronomic scene, and vibrant arts community are key highlights. This issue of Bolivian Express delves into the city's identity, exploring various forms of performance, from traditional arts to innovative entrepreneurship. The magazine also features insights into the local music scene, the impact of hip-hop on homeless youth, and the evolving cocktail culture in La Paz. The city's rise as a cultural and tourist destination is evident, with international recognition and local efforts driving its transformation.

Bolivians are voting in a referendum to determine if President Evo Morales can pursue a fourth term. A constitutional amendment is being considered that would permit Morales, if re-elected, to stay in office until 2025. The photo essay captures images from both the Yes campaign, which supports the amendment, and the No campaign, which opposes it.

The Aymara people of the Andes have a unique perspective on time, where the past is gestured towards the front and the future towards the back, contrary to most global cultural norms. This concept is reflected in their language and gestures, as studied by Rafael Núñez from the University of California, San Diego. The Bolivian Express explores this concept of time, Bolivia's history, and the recent symbolic reversal of the congress building's clock in La Paz as a statement of southern identity and decolonization.

In Bolivia, technological innovation is burgeoning, as evidenced by the story of 16-year-old Esteban Quispe from Patacamaya, who builds robots from trash. The country has seen significant projects like the Tupac Katari satellite and Mi Teleférico, and there are plans for a Technological Citadel to foster a Bolivian Silicon Valley. With the government's push to improve telecommunications and online services, more stories like Esteban's are emerging. Foreign contributions, such as Facebook's free internet access, US engineers' water filtration using llama feces, and German heart technology, complement local ingenuity. Bolivian technology, including an RFID-based vehicle registration system, is gaining attention for potential export. Bolivian Express highlights the country's technological progress and the importance of nurturing local talent to participate in the global tech transformation.

The article explores the concept of light through an old Aymara folktale about a Fox and a Monkey, using it as a metaphor to discuss the various ways light is perceived and used in Bolivian culture. It touches on the literal and metaphorical uses of light, from photography and cinema to spiritual enlightenment and the experiences of convicts. The issue of Bolivian Express delves into these themes with contributions from journalists and an article by Nikolaus Cox on the significance of the moon to the residents and visitors of Isla de la Luna on Lake Titicaca.

Bolivian Express explores the surreal aspects of Bolivia, from the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, to the Salvador Dalí Desert. The issue delves into the connections between Sigmund Freud's ideas and Bolivia's coca crop, examines altered states of consciousness, and discovers the influence of surrealism in Bolivian arts. The publication encourages self-reflection through the surreal, whether by visiting unique physical spaces or understanding the unusual ways people live.

The kusillo, a character in Bolivian folklore, symbolizes the country's cultural diversity and history. Often seen in traditional dances, the kusillo's appearance and role have evolved over time. This issue of Bolivian Express explores various aspects of Bolivian culture, from the boutique shopping experience at Mistura to the music of Panchi Maldonado's band Atajo. It also delves into the impact of fake news on Bolivia's political climate and the state of modern art in Cochabamba.

Advancing deforestation is reducing harvests of the brazil nut in Bolivia, one of the seed's main producers.

In Bolivia's cloud forest, the bee population is under threat due to the increasing use of pesticides to protect coca plantations, the region's primary cash crop. Environmentalists and beekeepers report significant hive losses, while coca farmers, aware of the environmental impact, feel compelled to use pesticides to protect their livelihoods. The expansion of coca cultivation has led to the destruction of native forests and increased pesticide use, exacerbating the decline in bee populations. Experts also cite climate change and other human factors as contributing to the problem.

Leftist candidate Pedro Castillo is considered the winner of the tight presidential runoff in Peru, leading over conservative Keiko Fujimori with 50.2% of the votes after 98.3% of polling stations were counted. Former Bolivian President Evo Morales congratulated Castillo on his victory. Fujimori's team is pinning hopes on vote tally challenges to be resolved by the National Electoral Jury. The Organization of American States described the election process as normal and transparent, while Fujimori's party alleged fraud, a claim denied by the ONPE.

Bolivian wine-growers in the Tarija department are leveraging the unique conditions of high-altitude vineyards to produce distinctive wines. Despite being overshadowed by regional giants Argentina and Chile, Bolivian wines benefit from intense sunlight and cooler nights, resulting in thicker grape skins and higher resveratrol content. Key figures in the industry, including oenologist Nelson Sfarcich and vineyard owner Maria Jose Granier, emphasize the unique flavors and aromas of these wines. The Muscat of Alexandria grape is particularly noted for its aromatic qualities. While Bolivia's wine production is small, there is significant potential for growth in quality, with increasing interest from niche markets in the United States, France, and Japan.

Bolivian wine-growers at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters are leveraging the unique conditions to produce distinctive wines with thicker grape skins and higher resveratrol content. The Tarija region's temperate climate, intense sunshine, and protection from strong winds contribute to the wine's unique characteristics. With a history dating back to the 17th century, Bolivian wine production remains small but is gaining popularity alongside a gastronomic boom in La Paz. Experts like oenologist Nelson Sfarcich and vineyard owner Maria Jose Granier highlight the advantages of high-altitude viticulture, while sommelier Carla Molina Garcia sees potential for quality growth in the market.

Bolivian farmers at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level cultivate grapes introduced centuries ago by Jesuit missions to produce high-altitude wines that aspire to enchant global markets. Tarija, in southern Bolivia, is the main wine-producing region, with unique climatic conditions that contribute to the wine's distinct characteristics. Enologist Nelson Sfarcich highlights the increased ultraviolet rays at high altitudes, which lead to thicker grape skins and higher resveratrol content. María José Granier of Jardín Oculto and winemaker Helmut Kohlberg note the elegant flavors and soft but potent aromas of Bolivian wines. Despite a smaller production compared to neighbors Argentina and Chile, Bolivian wine producers see potential in niche markets focused on quality. The country's wine history dates back to the 17th century with Jesuit priests cultivating grapes for religious ceremonies, primarily from Spain.

Chile and Bolivia have decided to resume dialogue after 11 years, focusing on a new roadmap that excludes Bolivia's long-standing maritime claim. The discussions, which took place in La Paz, aim to normalize bilateral relations but do not signify the resumption of formal diplomatic ties. The roadmap includes cooperation on economic, cultural, environmental, and security issues but leaves out Bolivia's demand for sea access, which was previously dismissed by the International Court of Justice. Both countries have other ongoing disputes, including the status of the Silala River.

The Bolivian Prosecutor's Office issued arrest warrants for former right-wing president Jeanine Áñez and several of her ministers on charges of sedition and terrorism. The opposition claims political persecution. Ex-ministers Alvaro Coimbra and Rodrigo Guzmán were detained, while the whereabouts of Áñez are unknown. Former presidents Carlos Mesa and Jorge Quiroga condemned the actions, and Luis Fernando Camacho, who won the governorship of Santa Cruz, accused the government of lying about a coup. The CIDH is investigating the events of late 2019.

The Servicio de Registro Cívico de Bolivia (Sereci) recognized the 'free union' between David Víctor Aruquipa Pérez and Guido Alvaro Montaño Durán, marking the first legal recognition of a same-sex union in Bolivia. This decision follows a lengthy legal battle and overturns a previous 2018 resolution. The Tribunal Constitucional and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights played crucial roles in supporting this recognition. Ombudsman Nadia Cruz and LGTBI organizations hailed the decision as a significant step towards equality and non-discrimination in Bolivia.

Luis Arce, a left-wing economist and protégé of former president Evo Morales, was declared president-elect of Bolivia by the electoral body after a surprising first-round victory. Arce's win marks the return of the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) to power, 11 months after Morales' ousting amid social unrest and allegations of electoral fraud. The election process was deemed transparent by international observers, including the Organization of American States and the European Union. Arce's victory is attributed to his close connection with the people and the political capital of Morales. The MAS celebrated the win and plans an official celebration in El Alto. The new government and Congress are expected to take office in early November.

Evo Morales, former president of Bolivia, alleges that the opposition is planning maneuvers to prevent his party, Movimiento Al Socialismo (MAS), from winning the upcoming presidential elections. Morales, speaking from Buenos Aires, claims that the opposition will resort to fraud or a coup if MAS wins by a narrow margin. He emphasizes the importance of a decisive victory to avoid disputes and highlights the role of international observers in ensuring a fair election. The article also mentions the political violence in Bolivia and the involvement of international organizations like the OEA and the EU in monitoring the elections.

Around 1,800 brigadistas in La Paz, Bolivia, have initiated an unprecedented door-to-door campaign to curb the spread of COVID-19. The campaign aims to reach 108,000 families, conduct 20,000 rapid tests, and distribute 100,000 medication kits. Public and private activities, including public transport, have been suspended. The initiative involves healthcare workers, military personnel, and volunteers, who interview households and conduct rapid tests. The campaign comes as La Paz experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, making it the second most affected region in Bolivia. The Bolivian government had previously imposed a nationwide quarantine, which was later relaxed, leaving local authorities to implement measures.

In Bolivia's Nor Yungas region, coca farmers like Exalto Mamani use pesticides to protect their crops, which threatens local bee populations. Despite recognizing the environmental damage, farmers feel compelled to use chemicals due to economic necessity. The expansion of coca cultivation, driven by both traditional uses and cocaine production, exacerbates the issue. Experts like entomologist Miguel Limachi and beekeeper René Villca highlight the severe impact on biodiversity and bee health, stressing the irreversible effects of pesticides on bees' motor and spatial abilities, and the broader ecological and human health consequences.

La Paz, Bolivia, was named one of the Seven New Urban Wonders of the World by the New7Wonders Foundation, a recognition achieved through a combination of expert judging and popular voting. This accolade is a source of great pride for the residents of La Paz, who launched a global campaign to secure this honor. The city joins other distinguished urban centers like Doha, Beirut, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, and Vigan. The article also highlights the historical significance of July 16, commemorating the 1809 mestizo revolt led by Pedro Domingo Murillo, and the city's week-long cultural celebrations. The issue of Bolivian Express explores various aspects of La Paz's culture, history, and urbanism, offering new perspectives from international writers.