Todos Santos in Bolivia
Traditionally, on All Saints' Day (Todos Santos), the souls of the deceased are welcomed. Many Bolivian families prepare the altar for their loved ones who have passed away.
You set up tables and place food on them to share the meal, the music, the joy, and the nostalgia with them.
The offered foods and gifts are often similar, but they differ depending on the region. MIGA Bolivia* names some of the elements that are placed on the altar – these can be found in the graphic and are explained in detail further down this page.
Unser Tipp:
A simple recipe for baking Tantawawa breads
Tantawawas are the bread that serves as a connection between the living and the dead and is baked for the Día de Todos Santos.
What belongs on a "Mesa de Todos Santos"?
- BREADS IN DIFFERENT SHAPES: There are breads with masks that represent the deceased; these are called T’antawawas and Urus. In addition, there are representations of horses as means of transport for the deceased, Catholic symbols, and the coffin made of biscuit dough.
- KRÄNZE: White, pink, and sky blue wreaths are for children, black and purple for adults.
- ZUCKERROHR: Serves as a walking stick for the deceased, to assist him on his journey.
- BLUMEN: They symbolize nature and the love of family. After the altar is dismantled, they are taken to the cemetery.
- TAQARU: These are onion stalks that serve as drinking vessels for the souls to quench their thirst.
- SPEISEN: The dishes that the deceased loved the most during their lifetime.
- GETRÄNKE: Wine, beer, chicha (a fermented corn drink), soft drinks. WATER: For sprinkling on the clothing of the deceased.
- COCA AND CIGARS: In order for the spirit to feel comfortable and content. MEMORIAL PLAQUE: Contains the name of the deceased person.
- PASANKALLA: Andean corn popcorn. They symbolize the clouds, as it is currently the rainy season in Bolivia during Todos Santos.
- KERZEN: They are used to call the souls, they accelerate their journey.
- RETAMAS (yellow flowers): They are meant to ward off evil when the soul arrives.
- SÜßIGKEITEN: They are specifically designed for the "little angels." When they are in the shape of baskets, they are used to carry things. When they are in the shape of roosters, they are meant to announce the new day.
CARITAS FOR TANTAWAWAS
You would also like to bake your own Tantawawas? At Bolivianita.de, we have a wide variety of Carita models available. Feel free to browse our product page at your leisure. Below you can see two of many examples.
