Feria de las Alasitas 2025 in Bolivia

Alasitas is often referred to as the festival of miniatures, as the capital city of La Paz turns into a large market of small things that may become big if you know who to ask. Locals come and buy anything from tiny mobile phones, laptops, cars, and houses, to non-material things like love in the form of a male or female doll, or even matrimony in a form of a marriage certificate.

Festival Beliefs & Customs

The Andean god of abundance and prosperity, called Ekkekko, is expected to make their dreams come true and turn bought miniatures into reality. Many bring their diminished dreams to the statues of Ekkekko they store at home, light a cigarette for he is known as a great smoker, dedicate a few prayers, and then wait for the miraculous gifts that will come within the next year. Locals claim if you really believe in miracles, you will get what you want, and many testify it truly works.

Even if you're not a believer yet, you may always purchase a few ​cute toys for your kids to play with. The market boasts a large variety of traditional Bolivian handicrafts, including handmade miniatures, ceramics, ornaments, minitature banknotes, tiny cars, and many other trinkets.

Dates of the Fiesta in La Paz

Nearly a thousand handcraft vendors can be found in the streets of La Paz during the entire month of the Alasitas market, which starts on January 24th and spans all the way through February and even into early March. The fair is sometimes extended for one week, offering some of the best deals and lowest prices during this time.

Location

The fair usually takes place at Campo Ferial Bicentennial, situated in the heart of La Paz. The venue serves as an outdoor market not only for the Feria de las Alasitas but also for other large events, like the Christmas market and other fairs. It's located near Coliseo Don Bosco and the Museo Nacional de Arqueología. You can easily get to La Paz by plane and arrive at the El Alto International Airport, just 5.6 miles (9 km) from the city center.

Feria de las Alasitas in Other Cities

Other Bolivian cities are also known for hosting their own vibrant Feria de las Alasitas celebration. In Cochamba, the festival usually spans from late October through December, taking place near the Parque Mariscal Santa Cruz. The 2024 edition is on from October 26th until December 1st. In Santa Cruz, Alasitas is held from mid-September through late October, spanning from 2 pm until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from 4 pm until midnight on weekdays. The celebration takes place at Cambódromo.