Fiesta San Miguel

Dangerous dancing…

Tinku by Epi Flavio, on Flickr

When:September 29th every year.
Where: Uncia, Bolivia.

This sensational South American festival of colourful parades, dangerous dances, beer and ice cream, takes place in the small town of Uncia in the Potosi district of Bolivia, in honour of the town’s patron Saint.

The Fiesta San Miguel is famous for its dangerous Tinku dances  that represent the fight between good and evil. The more blood spilled the richer the harvest will be. Dressed as conquistadores, local families jump and dance swinging their arms wildly, whilst referees (including the whip bearing local Bolivian police) try to oversee the ever increasing chaos. Many have been injured and some have even died, however a death can be considered an honourable one, and interpreted as the sign of a good harvest according to local indians.

“El Tinku” means meeting or encounter, and its an ancient fighting ritual that is actually condemned by the government and the church, yet within the Indian culture in accordance with ancient beliefs, it continues at local fiestas and other occasions in honour of Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Food & Drink

Bolivian Beer and ice cream. Tray Saltenas, a kind of baked bun filled with meat and potatoes in a slightly sweet or spicy sauce.

Travel to Bolivia

Book a flight to La Paz then travel to Uncia in the Potosi district of Bolivia. Book flights and hotels with ebookers.com. You may need to search for flights and hotels separately.

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!