The colours and sounds of a popular peasant procession shatter the silence at sunrise in the San Andrés Ceremony.
An ancient ritual in which Christian devotion combines with the spiritual tradition of the Andean worldview.
The ceremony of San Andrés is a custom that the people of Luribay pass down from one generation to the next. It takes place during the last week of November in all the calvaries of the communities in the municipality of Luribay when, at the first light of dawn, the members gather in procession and begin the ascent.
Once at the top, a morning of fasting and meditation begins: the faithful pray to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) to protect the crops from the floods and, at the same time, they ask for a good harvest for the coming year. The fast is interrupted at noon with the sacrifice of a lamb to Pachamama as a sign of redemption, the animal is then cooked and must be eaten without salt.
The festival of San Andrés is a great opportunity to appreciate the rituals and traditions of the people of Luribay; the calvaries are the ideal spot to enjoy the best views of this valley, with its orchard covered hills, the winding paths up to the Laurani Hill and the river flowing below.
Experience the ancient traditions of this town and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the region: contact us to discover all our proposals and organise your trip to spend time with the communities of Luribay.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
Where
Municipio de Luribay
How to get there
By public transport
From Luribay Durazno Union (Calle 7 Villa Dolores area) in El Alto to Luribay. Minibuses with a capacity of 14 people. Departure times 7:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m; the price of the ticket is Bs 35 per person one way. Return times 4:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
By private transport
From La Paz take National Route 1 towards Patacamaya; once you pass this population, take the detour to Luribay. Average trip duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Additional Info
It is recommended to use light clothing, a bathing suit, comfortable shoes with footprints, and to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, a cap, a windproof and rainproof jacket.
