Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND SUCRE
Tarabuco
4 / POP 19,500 / ELEV 3200M
This small, predominantly indigenous village 65km southeast of Sucre is famous for its
textiles, among the most renowned in all of Bolivia. To travelers though, Tarabuco is best
known for its
Sunday market
, a popular day trip from Sucre, and for its annual
Pujllay
celebrations in March.
Tarabuco's colorful, sprawling market, which features high-quality
artesanías
(pullovers,
charangos,
coca pouches, ponchos and weavings that feature geometric and
zoomorphic designs), is one of Bolivia's most popular. By any standards, it's pretty
touristy, which has meant the inevitable arrival of higher prices and lots of articles from
well outside the local area. While there is some very high-quality work here, there's also a
lot of generic stuff and few bargains to be had.
On market days, the
Centro Artesanal Inca Pallay
(Murillo 25)
sells an array of local
weavings and serves meals in its tourist-friendly restaurant. Several places put on exhibi-
tions of
pujllay
dancing while the market is on, for a small charge.
Festivals & Events
Pujllay
On March 12, 1816, Tarabuco was the site of the Battle of Jumbati, in which the villagers
defended themselves under the leadership of a woman, doña Juana Azurduy de Padilla, and
liberated the town from Spanish forces. In commemoration of the event the village stages
Pujllay ('play' in Quechua) on the third Sunday in March, when more than 60 surrounding
communities turn up in local costume. The celebration begins with a Quechua mass and
procession followed by the
Pukara ceremony
, a Bolivian version of Thanksgiving. Folk
dancers and musicians perform throughout the two-day weekend fiesta. It's one of
Bolivia's largest festivals and is great fun.
TRADITIONAL
