LIFESTYLE

Bolivian festival brings together Catholic, indigenous traditions

By Fox News
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In this May 30, 2015 photo, a woman paints the face of dancer before participating in the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. Today, the weeklong celebration is the citys largest festival and a major showcase of Andean folklore. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 22, 2015 photo, shoes that are part of La Morenada dance costumes, sit ready to be used before the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. The weeklong celebration is the citys largest festival and a major showcase of Andean folklore. It has become so big that Bolivia is offering the Carnival-like event as a candidate for the UNESCO recognition. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 22, 2015 photo, a craftsman prepares a costume for the dance of La Morenada before the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. Religious believers began parading the image of Jesus Christ through poor neighborhoods in the upper reaches of the capital of La Paz in the 1930s. The quiet, candle-lit processions eventually morphed into a full-blown dance festival that spilled into the wealthier valley below. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 30, 2015 photo, revelers of the Tinkus Wistus dance troupe perform during the annual parade in honor of "El Senor del Gran Poder," or "The Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. Bolivias mix of Roman Catholic and indigenous traditions are on display throughout Bolivias capital as thousands of costumed dancers perform during the annual feast of the Great Power. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 30, 2015 photo, musicians of the Poopo de Oruro band play during the annual parade in honor of "El Senor del Gran Poder," or "The Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. Brass bands marched and onlookers cheered over the weekend as the dancers performed elaborate routines in their quest for prizes. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 30, 2015 photo, a woman aids a performer to put on a dance costume before the start of the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. Bolivias mix of Roman Catholic and indigenous traditions are on display throughout Bolivias capital as thousands of costumed dancers perform during the annual feast of the Great Power. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 30, 2015 photo, revelers of the Los Tinkus dance troupe perform during the annual parade in honor of "El Senor del Gran Poder," or "The Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. The weeklong celebration is the citys largest festival and a major showcase of Andean folklore. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 29, 2015 photo, masks for the dance of La Morenada, sit in bags ready to be unpacked and used in the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. The gathering of faithful fun-seekers traces its origins to a religious painting from the 17th century that depicts the Christian savior _ El Senor del Gran Poder. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 26, 2015 photo, craftsman Andres Pari works on a metal mask for the dance of La Morenada, before the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. As many as 20,000 performers prepare for months in advance, practicing steps, searching for flashy jewelry, and embroidering elaborate outfits worth as much as $20,000 apiece. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 29, 2015 photo, craftsmen prepare the costumes to be used in the dance of La Morenada, before the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. As many as 20,000 performers prepare for months in advance, practicing steps, searching for flashy jewelry, and embroidering elaborate outfits worth as much as $20,000 apiece. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 28, 2015 photo, devotees prepare a statue of "El Senor del Gran Poder," or "The Lord of Great Power", before participating in the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" in La Paz, Bolivia. Thousands of dancers and faithful gather every June to show their devotion and to thank the gods and for blessings from throughout the year. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 30, 2015 photo, revelers chat in the street during the annual parade in honor of "El Senor del Gran Poder," or "The Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. The 62 dance troupes that began performing last weekend reflect Bolivias mix of cultures. Small women in traditional bowler heats pounded down the street alongside people dressed as conquistadors, men prancing in brightly colored ponchos, and dancers with painted faces performing ceremonial Inca steps. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

In this May 22, 2015 photo, masks of La Morenada dance, are piled up before the traditional "Fiesta del Senor del Gran Poder" or "The Feast of the Lord of Great Power" in La Paz, Bolivia. Bolivias mix of Roman Catholic and indigenous traditions are on display throughout Bolivias capital as thousands of costumed dancers perform during the annual feast of the Great Power, a raucous street party that celebrates a rendering of Jesus Christ with native features and outstretched arms. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)