cholitas

Cholitas are indigenous women who are known for their traditional costumes: colorful clothes with the characteristic pollera skirt, round top hats, embroidered shawls and ornate earrings and pins of silver and

gemstones. They are seen as symbols of female strength, struggle,

independence and diligence. At the same time, they also relate to racism,

poverty and oppression. The costume of the Cholita Paceña, that is

say the Cholita from La Paz, is often seen as 'the original'. Variations

occur on pregnancy, but these assume more or less the same

components that clearly distinguish the women as a group.

The Cholitas manifest themselves in an organized context.

I have now met two different groups of women this year and

who want to get rid of existing stereotypes and prejudices against women and their traditions and thus celebrate their roots.

Already for over 20 years, the Cholitas Luchadoras in El Alto have been giving wrestling shows on an altitude of more than 4200 meters. This is happening now from generation to generation.

Imilla Skate is a young skater collective from Cochabamba. They've been around for three years and celebrate their roots at almost 3000 meters altitude.