Celebrating in Tupiza

It seems all Tupizans flock to the central Plaza on June 4th to celebrate the anniversary of their secluded valley town. In front of government officials, impressive groups of soldiers, students and horsemen parade down the main square holding banners of Bolivian pride. Onlookers include indigenous women, children in school uniforms and large families all stretching to see the show. At its conclusion, the crowd moves a few blocks to a large food market where tamales, empanadas and sausage sandwiches are served to people standing at cooking stations ordering one after another.