Marriage and Family

Men usually marry between the ages of 20 and 25, and women marry between 19 and 23. People usually do not marry until they have acquired some financial security. A church wedding often follows the legal civil ceremony, after which there is a reception and dance. The high number of common-law marriages reflects the fact that many Bolivians, especially those in rural areas, cannot afford the cost of a formal wedding. Children usually live with their parents until married and sometimes even after marriage.

Most wealthy couples have only one or two children, but poorer families are traditionally larger. The father makes most family decisions, but the mother exercises considerable influence on household affairs. It has become increasingly common for women to work outside the home37.7 percent (1999). Many of the elderly live with their children and their families.

Eating

Potatoes and rice are the main staples, but soup, fruit, milk, and cheese also figure prominently in the Bolivian diet. Many foods are fried, and spices are heavily used in cooking. Breakfast tends to be light: tea or coffee, bread, and perhaps cheese. The main meal is traditionally in the middle of the day and usually consists of soup and a main course. In the cities, many people enjoy salteñas (meat or chicken pies with potatoes, olives, and raisins) at about 10 am. Restaurants in cities such as La Paz serve a variety of types of European cuisine.

Socializing

Spanish-speaking Bolivians usually greet friends and acquaintances with a cheerful ¡Buenos días! (“Good morning!”), ¡Buenas tardes! (“Good afternoon!” or “Good evening!”), or ¡Buenas noches! (“Good evening!” or, upon parting, “Good night!”). ¡Hola! (“Hi!”) and ¿Cómo estás? (“How are you?”) are also common. The title Señor (“Mr.”), Señora (“Mrs.”), or Señorita (“Miss“) is added for first-time introductions or for a stranger such as a shop owner. Greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake.

Bolivians maintain little personal space and stand close to one another during conversation. The abrazo is a greeting used frequently by close friends and relatives. It consists of a hug, a handshake, two or three pats on the shoulder, and another handshake. Women friends often embrace and kiss each other on the cheek. Women commonly walk arm in arm, and teenage girls may also hold hands. First names are not used between strangers. Common Spanish farewells are Hasta luego (“See you soon”) or Hasta mañana (“Until tomorrow”). Friends use the casual Chau or Chau, chau. Adiós usually implies you are parting for a long period of time, so it may be used when seeing someone off on a trip.

Bolivians generally enjoy visiting; to call on a friend or relative shows that one is thinking about him or her. Hosts take care to make guests feel that the whole family welcomes them and is in no hurry for them to leave. Invited guests often bring flowers or another small gift, and may be presented with one themselves. Traditionally, wrapped gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. Guests often address their hosts by first name, sometimes preceded by Don (for men) or Doña (for women). This allows a guest to show respect for, and familiarity with, the hosts.

Recreation

Soccer is popular throughout the country. The popularity of other sports varies from region to region. Leisure activities include watching television (in urban areas), visiting (particularly in rural areas), and attending festivals or other events that involve dancing and singing.

Holidays and Celebrations

Holidays include New Year’s Day (1 January), Carnaval (the Saturday before Ash Wednesday), Día del Mar (Sea Day, 23 March), Holy Week before Easter (in March or April), Labor Day (1 May), Independence Day (6 August), All Saints’ Day (1 November), and Christmas Day (25 December). On Christmas Eve, children place their old shoes in a window for Santa Claus to take them in exchange for new gifts.

During Carnaval people dress up in costume, dance, pour water over each other, and eat confite (candy stuffed with nuts or fruit). Labor Day is dedicated to community work. Each of the nine provinces celebrates regional holidays rich in folklore, and fiestas in honor of the local patron saint take place in almost every pueblo (village).

Source: Encarta Interactive World Atlas

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