Motorless Carts: A Beloved Tradition Among the People of La Paz | Cochecitos sin motor: tradición adorada por los paceños

By El Diario:

A truly local activity that brings families together through the handcrafted creation of vehicles and promotes healthy competition.

In La Paz, “motorless carts” refers to a local tradition of racing gravity-powered vehicles, relying on the participants’ skill rather than motors. These races are a popular and cherished event among the people of La Paz.

The race was declared Cultural and Intangible Heritage by the Municipal Government of La Paz in 2016, through a law that regulates the periodic organization of this competition. This year, the much-anticipated race will take place on July 27, also as a tribute to the 216th anniversary of the July Revolution.

The races typically attract children and adults alike, who build their own vehicles by hand, using various structures and materials, and then compete for fun and recognition.

The tradition of motorless carts in La Paz has deep roots, beginning in the 1950s as a social phenomenon parallel to automobile racing. The enthusiastic participation of the community has kept this sporting tradition alive, turning it into a city institution.

The motorless cart races are an example of how a simple activity can generate great enthusiasm and community involvement, keeping local traditions alive, bringing families together through sports, and encouraging healthy competition among neighbors from different districts.

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