In the midst of the stalking of the pandemic, the compadres in Tarija unleashed their joy this Thursday to resume the traditional festival after being suspended in 2021 due to Covid-19.
Dressed in colorful chapaco shirts and their baskets adorned with fruits, flowers, a cake (sweet bread) and other elements, they merged into a hug to deepen their friendship for the rest of their lives.
Photos: David Maygua
Adults and young people, of different ages, starred in this festivity in the Plaza Luis de Fuentes and the Theme Park, where they gathered.
The mayor of the city of Tarija, Johnny Torres, was the most requested by some people who came to the city center to name him their compadre and then dance the chapaca wheel to the rhythm of the erque and the box.
“We ask everyone who is going to go out during these days of carnival to do so carefully, respecting the distance and the use of chinstraps. We need to return to normality, but with the responsibility of the population,” Torres exclaimed.
Ricardo Ortuño, a citizen, said that while Carnival should not be celebrated due to the Covid-19 pandemicthis Thursday is a day where the Tarijeño demonstrates the friendship, hospitality and tradition of a region.
For the costumbrista Juan Flores, despite the health situation due to the pandemic, traditions cannot be left aside, such as compadres Thursday, which is a reflection of the culture of Tarija.
The singer-songwriter Luis Paulino Figueroa insisted on recommending people to do not relax in biosecurity measures, especially the use of the chinstrap and disinfection with alcohol gel, to protect the health not only of oneself, but of the rest of their families.
Meanwhile, the chapaco carnival has been underway since last Tuesday, when the announcement was made, and more activities are coming until the 29th of this month with the Tuesday of ch’alla and basil.