AP reports via CNBCTV18.com:
Thousands of indigenous people are marking Palm Sunday with an annual agricultural fair in the suburbs of one of Bolivia’s largest cities. The so-called Palm Sunday Fair, which began as a way to recreate the livestock markets of biblical times, is currently dominated by all sorts of informal trade. But the sale and purchase of animals still thrives.
A couple arrive on their motorcycle to the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto, Bolivia. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Children run through the midway as workers slowly help fairgoers off a Ferris wheel at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto, Bolivia. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
A seller parcels out barely to his horses at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Fairgoers walk up a steep pathway at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Fairgoers examine the flocks of sheep for sale at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Two women barter over the price of sheep at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
A woman walks past a carnival booth lined with weight scales and signs that read in Spanish: “Control your weight” at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Carts without motors designed for children to pedal around the fairgrounds sit parked at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
A seller tries to get his rearing horse under control as he readies the horse for a buyer, at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
Fairgoers play table soccer at the ‘Feria de Ramos’ or Palm Fair, in El Alto. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)
AP reports via Star Tribune:
Bolivia’s indigenous mark Palm Sunday with annual fair
EL ALTO, Bolivia — Thousands of indigenous people are marking Palm Sunday with an annual agricultural fair in the suburbs of one of Bolivia’s largest cities.
The so-called Palm Sunday Fair, which began as a way to recreate the livestock markets of biblical times, is currently dominated by all sorts of informal trade. But the sale and purchase of animals still thrives.
Armando Risalazu said he brought his Hampshire sheep from neighboring Peru so that buyers could crossbreed them and improve the performance of common Creole sheep.
“I can’t complain, sales are good,” Risalazu says, adding that his cheapest sheep goes for $100; his most expensive for up to $210.
In an improvised street corral, loud bleats drown out the sound of a merchant’s bargain as the smell of wet wool fills the air.
Each sheep bears a nametag on its ear — Jorge, Pilar, Paul, Lola, Pepe, Rosa and Lucho — and many appear to huddle together for protection.
Although such animals are most coveted, small pigs, ducks, rabbits, and chickens are also sold alongside farming tools, bridles and wooden plows. Clothing, fruit, vegetables, pirated CDs and satellite dishes are up for sale, too.
http://www.startribune.com/bolivia-s-indigenous-mark-palm-sunday-with-annual-fair/508515242/
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