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Octubre 31, 2005

Bolivian Halloween

"¡Trato o truco!" That is what some kiddies say in La Paz when trick or treating. La Razon published a story today about the growth of this unofficial holiday in Bolivia.

A 10-year old kid interviewed for the story said:

“There are some people that get mad when we ring their doorbell, but we tell them that it's Halloween and we should have fun."

Halloween certainly hasn't caught on in all parts of the city or throughout the country. On the most part, this night is most celebrated throughout middle class neighborhoods and in the discos and locales.

Some in Bolivia may voice displeasure to see such a generic holiday like Halloween invading their country. After all, many Latin American countries have a much more interesting and meaningful holiday, in All Souls and All Saints Day. I tend to agree, but I wouldn't go as far as Hugo Chavez calling it a "game of terror."