Rito a los calaveras finaliza fiesta de difuntos en Bolivia

The Ñatitas festival in La Paz is a pagan tradition rooted in pre-Columbian beliefs. Devotees collect skulls from cemeteries, name them, and attribute miracles to them. The festival occurs a week after All Saints' Day. While the Catholic Church views it as pagan, it does not oppose it to avoid conflict with believers. Traditionally, skulls are from unknown people, but some use those of distant relatives. The festival, named after the Aymara word for 'chata' or 'without nose,' is gaining popularity as believers think the skulls protect their homes and grant favors.

What is the origin of the Ñatitas festival celebrated in La Paz?

• It is a festival created by the Catholic Church.

• It was introduced by European settlers.

• It is a modern tradition started in the 20th century.

• It is a pagan tradition with roots in pre-Columbian beliefs.

How does the Catholic Church view the Ñatitas festival?

• It fully supports the festival.

• It considers it a respectful tradition.

• It sees it as pagan but does not reject it to avoid conflict.

• It actively campaigns against it.

According to tradition, whose skulls are used in the Ñatitas festival?

• Skulls of family members.

• Skulls of unknown people.

• Skulls of famous historical figures.

• Skulls of animals.

What does the word 'ñatitas' mean in Aymara?

• Ancestor

• Chata or without nose

• Guardian

• Holy spirit

What is one of the beliefs associated with the skulls in the Ñatitas festival?

• They are used for decoration only.

• They are a symbol of wealth.

• They protect homes and fulfill favors.

• They bring bad luck.