Santa Anita In Tarija: Events, Dates & Highlights!
Is the spirit of tradition, the joy of childhood, and the vibrancy of community about to converge in a spectacular display? The answer is a resounding yes, as the enchanting Santa Anita festival prepares to illuminate the city of Tarija, Bolivia, once again, promising a captivating experience for all.
The magic and essence of the traditional Santa Anita festival are poised to shine brightly once more in the heart of Tarija. This year, the festivities are scheduled to take place on July 25th and 26th, gracing the iconic Calle Ancha, also known as Cochabamba, with its colorful presence. The Santa Anita Fair, a cherished event dedicated to the children of the city, is set to begin on July 26th, with the "cancha" street serving as its initial stage. The celebrations will then culminate on July 27th, promising a memorable experience for all attendees.
Herlan Velsquez, the Director of Urban Mobility, has announced that the Cochabamba street will be closed to traffic, from Ballivin to Potos, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of festival-goers. As a gesture of goodwill towards the children and to revitalize the tradition, the Municipal Government of Tarija has enacted a municipal ordinance. This decree establishes that, starting in 2024, the Santa Anita festival, which has traditionally unfolded on Cochabamba Street (also known as Calle Ancha), will be held on July 26th and 27th. This ensures the continuation of the beloved tradition for years to come.
The Santa Anita Fair, a cultural cornerstone in Tarija, stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage. The fair has evolved over time, initially taking place in the Cochabamba or Calle Ancha. The tradition, a cherished aspect of Tarija's cultural landscape, has seen several transformations over the years, but its core essence remains unchanged: a celebration of childhood, tradition, and community spirit.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Santa Anita Festival |
| Location | Calle Ancha (Cochabamba Street), Tarija, Bolivia, and Campo Ferial del Barrio Constructor |
| Dates | July 25th and 26th (Calle Ancha); July 26th-31st (Campo Ferial del Barrio Constructor) |
| Focus | Children, Tradition, Artisanry |
| Key Activities | Miniature markets, artisan displays, cultural performances, gastronomic offerings |
| Expected Attendees | Local and national artisans, visitors from various regions |
| Organizers | Local Government of Tarija, neighborhood associations |
Around 1,100 local and national artisans are anticipated to grace Tarija with their presence during the Santa Anita festival. The festivities will commence on Tuesday, July 26th, along the traditional Cochabamba street. The celebration will then extend to the Campo Ferial del Barrio Constructor, where it will continue from July 27th through July 31st, according to Rolando Vacaflor, the Municipal Director of Tourism and Culture.
The anticipation is building, and the excitement is palpable: Santa Anita 2024 is here! The local government has inaugurated the fair in the Calle Ancha, where the vibrant energy of hundreds of children has already infused the traditional festival with color and joy. This Friday, the young merchants set up their stalls along Cochabamba street, offering an array of miniature items that capture the essence of the fair. The miniature market is a key component to this event.
From July 27th to August 6th, the Campo Ferial Constructor will be the stage for a ten-day spectacle filled with culture, gastronomy, and entertainment. This year, it includes 36 neighborhood fairs and the participation of various municipal markets, a statement made by Valeria Ortiz, the head of tourism for the Tarija mayor's office. Don't miss this unique experience in Tarija!
The Municipal Government of Tarija has begun the renovation and maintenance of the Campo Ferial del Barrio El Constructor. They are also working on the improvement of transport routes to ensure that the public can easily visit the Santa Anita fair, which will commence on July 27th. This shows that the government has a vested interest in maintaining the safety and upkeep of the grounds, as well as helping traffic navigate towards the fair.
The artisan fair is scheduled to begin on July 26th in the El Constructor neighborhood. On Tuesday, the Santa Anita Fair is set to take place in the Calle Ancha of Tarija. The traditional fair has made its return and this year offers a unique experience of sharing flavors and traditions through the use of buttons. The event is characterized by preserving the culture and essence of yesteryear.
From the early hours of Wednesday, July 26th, children and adults "invaded" and filled Cochabamba street, better known as "cancha" street, where the mayor, Johnny Torres Terzo, accompanied by the "mini" municipal guards, zebras, and the risk management unit, officially inaugurated the traditional Santa Anita festival. The event is organized by the residents of the San Roque neighborhood.
The celebration, initiated by several Tarijeos, was brought to Calle Ancha, a traditional and beloved area of Tarija. It was celebrated there until 2016. These activities, which will take place in the traditional neighborhood fairs, on Calle Ancha, and in the El Constructor fairgrounds, will offer a wide variety of local products, handicrafts, typical gastronomy, all in miniature, as well as entertainment for all ages. The focus is on children and their cultural celebrations.
The fair has returned, and it has recovered traditions. Cochabamba street has once again become the setting for one of the most deeply rooted traditions recovered in the Tarija department. There were miniatures, typical foods, raffles, and even bartering returned in some stalls.
According to the representative of the Association of Artisans of Tarija, Filomeno Choque, the participation of around 900 exhibitors is expected, including artisans and gastronomes, who will offer a varied selection of miniature products, from delicious pastries and food to handicrafts and bazaars, as well as other items.
In addition to the festivities in the Calle Ancha, the Santa Anita festival is set to expand its presence to other areas, including the Campo Ferial del Barrio Constructor. The fair will feature a variety of local products, handicrafts, and miniature gastronomy. It will also include entertainment suitable for all ages, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all attendees. This expansion reflects the growing popularity of the Santa Anita festival and its significance in the community. The tradition of Santa Anita, the "miniature" fair, is growing and expanding to the neighborhoods of the city of Tarija. This year, it adds 36 neighborhood fairs in addition to the participation of different municipal markets.
The vibrant tapestry of the Santa Anita festival continues to weave its magic, with each thread representing the spirit of tradition, the joy of childhood, and the enduring bond of community. As the festivities unfold across the city of Tarija, the echoes of laughter, the colors of creativity, and the aromas of shared meals will intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience for all who are fortunate enough to participate. The festival is not just an event, but a reflection of the vibrant culture of Tarija.
