Carnival (Carnevale)

No we are not in Rio, there are no Feathered clad Samba dancing Women and Men, although some year we would love to be! The sight of all those semi naked bodies dancing can make anyones hips wiggle, even the staunchest  anglo.
Carnival is a Catholic ritual, a time to give up something (the latin word carnevale means to put away the meat) normally a luxury in order to prepare yourself for the holy week, usually 46 days later, as with most customs each country has its interpretation.

I am in Bolivia, with some of my weavers and their friends i am being offered chicha, and beer and for the days i am here have been covered in shaving cream, sprayed with all manner of water pistols, water and flour bombs have been hurled at my passing transport, it is such a pleasure to see the normally sombre Bolivians, playful like children, there are parades in the main street of La Paz and for a whole day you can watch the passing parade of "Carnival Bolivian style!"