Today we are talking about how and why Mother's Day is celebrated in Bolivia, unlike many other countries, Mother's Day in Bolivia has a fixed date, 27 May, and is a very important day. Let's find out why this date is so important.
It all began in Cochabamba on 27 May 1812 when the women of the city rebelled against the troops of Commander José Manuel de Goyeneche instructed by the King of Spain to suppress the uprising of the Bolivian people. After defeating the troops of Esteban Arze, who was protecting the area of Cochabamba, the Commander went to the city believing to find it empty and weak since all men were engaged in facing the war in other areas of the country. He did not imagine, however, that the local women, las Heroínas de la Coronilla, in the absence of their husbands and companions, had organized themselves under the command of Manuela Gandarillas, an almost blind lady. Starting from the hill of San Sebastian, now located almost in the center of the city, the women fought against the Spanish army until their death to protect their children and their lands. Unfortunately, the action was not successful and hundreds of these brave women were killed by the soldiers of Goyoneche and three days later the city was invaded by the Spanish.
This monument honors women who died during Bolivia's protracted War of Independence. There are outstanding views of Cochabamba from La Coronilla, a hill on the outskirts of the city where the monument is located.
Now, starting from the law established in November 1927, every 27th of May all Bolivian mothers are celebrated in honor of the Heroinas de la Coronilla. The most common way to celebrate this day is to organize a family lunch to spend time with your mother to thank her for giving you life and for her love. Restaurants and bars are decorated and theme menus are prepared. The streets of the city are filled with stalls selling a wide variety of gift items, it is traditional to start looking for the right gift several weeks in advance. In all schools, activities are organized, such as children's dance shows and mothers receive sweets or typical dishes. In short, it's really a great celebration for all families.
It is very interesting how in Bolivia the date is linked to an important historical event, which had as protagonists mothers and strong brave women, ready to give their lives to defend their children and their territory.
The mother plays a very important role in Bolivian culture since most Bolivian families are unfortunately characterized by the absence of her father. Mothers are therefore often totally responsible for the care and education of their children. It is very common to see women in the streets of Bolivian cities selling fruit and vegetables, food, handmade items or objects of all kinds accompanied by their children of all ages because they do not have a person to leave them to.
Most of the artisans of beyondBeanie are mother’s, and they had to overcome a tough situation to give their children better opportunities They are incredible mothers who deserve all our respect.
For this reason, we believe that providing work to these ladies so that they can make products while staying at home is very important. In this way, they have the opportunity to generate an economic income and at the same time take care of their children, thus ensuring a more stable and harmonious future for the whole family.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS IN BOLIVIA
Written by Alex Brandino
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