Every year, on the third day of Carnaval, the streets of La Paz overflow with colour and delight as the Indigenous people of Bolivia dance and sing in celebration of Pachamama (Mother Earth), thanking her for all she has provided them throughout the year.

Meaning “small carnaval” in Aymara, Jisk’a Anata is one of the most fascinating of the Carnaval parades. Before the 1960’s the parade was held to showcase the best orchestras and national dances from urban society. Over the years the parade’s format began to change and by 1995 dancers and musicians from rural La Paz were added to represent Bolivia’s folkloric diversity. It was at this time that the Andean Folklore Society set out to rescue the traditions of the indigenous populations around La Paz, aiming to recover their ancient customs and native dances.