Alasitas

During Inca times the Alasitas ('Buy From Me' in Aymará, in Spanish it's Comprame) fair coincided with the spring equinox (September 21), and was intended to demonstrate the abundance of the fields. The date underwent some shifts during the Spanish colonial period, which the campesinos weren't too happy about. In effect they decided to turn the celebration into a kitschy mockery of the original.

'Abundance' was redefined to apply not only to crops, but also to homes, tools, cash, clothing and, lately, cars, trucks, airplanes and even 12-story buildings. The little god of abundance, Ekeko ('dwarf' in Aymará), made his appearance and modern Alasitas traditions are now celebrated every January 24. A highlight is the blessing of miniature objects, such as miniature cars or houses. Supplicants pray that the real thing will be obtained in the coming year.