Day of Skulls
November 8, Saturday
Origin of the holiday
The origins of the holiday go back to the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Andes — the Aymara and Quechua. In their traditions, a human skull was not perceived as a symbol of death. On the contrary, it was believed to preserve the spirit of the deceased and help the living. After the arrival of Christianity, some rituals changed, but the tradition remained and became part of modern Bolivian culture.
How the holiday is celebrated
* People keep skulls at home for many years
* On the holiday, skulls are decorated with flowers, hats, glasses, beads, and sometimes cigarettes
* They are brought to churches, especially to the chapel at the General Cemetery in La Paz, where priests read blessings
* People ask the “ñatitas” (as the skulls are called) for protection, health, luck, or help in solving life problems
* It is believed that each “ñatita” has its own character and special power
Symbolic meaning
For the participants, it is not a cult of death but a manifestation of respect for ancestors and an understanding of the connection between worlds. A “ñatita” is a kind of spiritual friend who accompanies a person in life.
Modern perception
Although the holiday may seem unusual or even frightening to people from other countries, in Bolivia it is perceived as an important part of cultural identity. It reflects the synthesis of pre-Christian beliefs and Catholic tradition.
Where it is celebrated
The main celebrations take place in La Paz, but the ritual is also known in other regions of Bolivia, especially in the highland areas where indigenous traditions are strong.
Day of Skulls in other years
- 2021 November 8, Monday
- 2022 November 8, Tuesday
- 2023 November 8, Wednesday
- 2024 November 8, Friday
- 2026 November 8, Sunday