International Culture Festival in Sucre, Bolivia

On the morning of August 30th 2016 the Bolivian Minister of Culture and Tourism, Marko Machicao, launched the XVIII edition of the International Festival of Culture in Sucre, to be held between 1st and 24th September.

Ivan Arciénega Collazos, Mayor of Sucre, highlighted the completion of the FIC - 2016 and the Entrance of the Virgin of Guadalupe as a true honor and invited the Bolivian population to participate in the planned activities. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Marko Machicao, emphasized the presence of several artists at this years’ festival, especially as 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the nomination of the city of Sucre.

Every two years, artists from around the world flock to Sucre to take part in the multicultural festival of artistic expression. Held over two weeks in September, more than 2000 local and international artists, writers, musicians and photographers come together to exhibit their works at the International Culture Festival. During the festival the city’s streets come alive with paintings, sculptures, music, poetry, theatre and cinema, showcasing the creative genius of participating artists. Along with Bolivia’s contemporary art and pop culture scene, the works of indigenous Bolivian artists are also well represented.

This international festival will take into account 11 artistic areas, including music, cinema, theater, “festiniños” (childrens activities), “festiabuelitos” (activities for elder people), dance, visual arts, literature and workshops, among other activities. Among the international artists who will are scheduled to perform at the festival are: Vicentico, Fabulosos Cadillacs, Nito Mestre, Los Nocheros, Muevemundos Performing Arts Company (an Argentinan theatre company), Ricardo Herz (a Brazilian violinist) and Walter and the Impact Group (a musical group from Argentina). There will also be several national artists, such as Luzmila Carpio, Teatro Los Andes and Erick Paniagua.

The International Festival transmits and revitalizes identities, based upon the presence of a variety of cultures, local traditions and artistic expressions of high quality. These elements are all combined in a program that gives enjoyment to the population and promotes artistic and public education.

Furthermore, the folkloric entrance of the Virgin of Guadalupe will be held on 9th and 10th of September with 73 groups of provincial dancers, colleges and institutes invited on Friday and approximately 54 groups will be present on Saturday, totaling over 100 cultural actors over both days. The Virgin of Guadalupe Festivity was declared an event of cultural and religious heritage in Bolivia in 2003 with the introduction of the “Law of preservation of the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the city of Sucre and in the Yamparáz town”.

First held in 1993, over the last 20 years Sucre’s International Culture Festival has grown to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events in Bolivia. The festival is a wonderful way for visitors to learn about the cultural richness of the country and to witness some truly amazing talent.