Day of the Skulls, or Día de las Ñatitas 2025 in Bolivia

While it may seem unusual to some, it is a cherished tradition for the hundreds who gather annually to celebrate the Day of the Skulls, or Día de las Ñatitas, in La Paz. According to Andean pre-Hispanic beliefs, each person has seven souls, one of which resides in the skull. Consequently, great importance is placed on caring for and honoring the skull. This is why people decorate and revere these skulls, known as "natitas," believing they bring good fortune and protection.

Decorating Natitas

Each November, following the All Saints Day celebrations, people honor the soul residing in the skulls by decorating them with flowers and accessories such as hats and sunglasses. The decorated skulls are then taken to the cemetery church, where a priest blesses them. These skulls are real, though they often do not come from deceased relatives; they may be purchased or handed down through generations. Throughout the year, they are typically kept in glass or toy boxes. During the Day of the Skulls celebration, the cemetery takes on a unique atmosphere that is both solemn and festive. Participants believe that the natitas bring protection and good fortune, making this a distinctive experience that highlights Bolivia's rich cultural heritage and is truly worth witnessing.

History of Día de las Ñatitas

The tradition is thought to originate from the Urus Chipaya custom of disinterring the corpses of loved ones on the first anniversary of their death. Interestingly, the Catholic Church does not officially endorse this practice. However, after a conflict in which a priest denied people entry to the church, resulting in the locals throwing stones and breaking the church windows, the parish has since become more accommodating. Now, the church is open to believers for a blessing ceremony as part of the celebration.