Christmas is also one of the most important festivals of the year in Bolivia. The festivities begin at the beginning of December - just like here in Germany. On December 24, families come together to sing. Singing also takes place in larger squares and in the streets. Most Bolivians go to the midnight mass 'Misa de Gallo' and afterwards there are large firework displays in the larger towns, some of which last up to an hour. The very important traditional family dinner takes place afterwards and lasts until the early hours of the morning. There is usually 'picana' (a stew made from up to five different types of meat, potatoes and corn), paneton (a type of Christmas cake), lots of fruit and white nougat with nuts, which is called turrón. The Christmas festivities end on January 6th: On this Tag , the children leave their shoes outside the door and wait for the three kings to fill them with presents.
Countless families and children in Bolivia are not granted this kind of Christmas. Excessive poverty, especially in the big cities, is the reason why many can only dream of such a celebration. For the street children of La Paz in particular, who often live without parents or financial means, Christmas is not just a Tag like any other, but is often associated with even greater pain, as the desire for some security, a good meal and a small gift seems unattainable. Our Street Doctors have therefore tried to bring a little Christmas magic to as many children as possible: With small celebrations and gifts, they visited the poor, sang carols with them and gave them joy, hope and affection in particular, alongside small gifts.
We are very grateful that our team in La Paz - as is so often the case - not only provides great medical assistance here, but also brings an incredible amount of energy and love to help on a social level.