Fiestas around the world: San Andrés, a Bolivian tradition By Nancy Malugani Adelante Contributor During the month of November, the people in and around the little colonial town of Totora, Bolivia, transform their poor city, previously devastated by an earthquake, into a grand colorful festival. The townspeople gather together to say goodbye to the wandering souls of their family members that are believed to come down from the mountains and to celebrate the youth of women that are looking for a boyfriend. This celebration, called Los Columpios de San Andrés, or the Swings of San Andrés, is probably one of the most original celebrations of the Latin world. For this celebration, the people build huge swings on top of cobblestone streets and decorate them with ribbons, flags and paper streamers. The celebration, which includes maize liquor (chicha) and folk songs, lasts for several days. According to the tradition, on Nov. 2 the souls of the dead come down from the mountain o hanacpacha (sky or the world from above). During the entire month, the movements of the swings help them to return to heaven. Many women with their babies on their backs come to see “a las mujeres voladoras” (the flying women). The single women, or the ones that have been unlucky with love, believe that if they catch a basket with their feet while swinging they will find a boyfriend. Inside the basket, the family member puts small presents that represent the coming of the rain, and with it abundance and fertility. People in the town offer chicha that they drink in containers made from hollow pumpkins. The girls that are in the swing drink mogochinche, or juice made with dry peaches. Two very strong men pull ropes tied to the swing to lift them very high, and the girls scream “Flor que flamea, flor que flamea” (Flower that is on fire). After a while they put the basket on a stick so they can pick them up with their feet. The older women that have had no luck with love wait their turn in line to try the swings, hoping that their Saint San Andres will bring them a boyfriend.