Holy Week Tragedy In Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1995

Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a Catholic celebration that takes place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday. In Bolivia, the Catholic population, which makes up 78% of the country's population, has unique traditions to commemorate this holy period. In 1995, during Holy Week, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) announced that a temple would be built in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba. This announcement was significant as it marked the beginning of the LDS Church's presence in Bolivia, with the country's first convert having been baptised just over 30 years prior, in 1964.

The LDS Church announced plans to build a temple in Cochabamba

During Holy Week in 1995, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) announced plans to build a temple in Cochabamba, Bolivia. This was a significant development for the LDS Church, as it would be the 82nd operating temple and a symbol of the growth of the church in the country.

The history of the LDS Church in Bolivia dates back to 1964 when missionaries first arrived and began spreading the faith. In December of that same year, Bolivia's first convert to the LDS Church was baptized, marking the beginning of a new religious community in the country. Over the next four decades, the LDS Church steadily grew in membership, and by 1995, there were over 158,000 members across Bolivia.

The decision to build a temple in Cochabamba was a recognition of the strong presence of the LDS Church in the country and the dedication of its members. The announcement was met with enthusiasm and anticipation by the local LDS community, who had been waiting for such news.

The temple construction process began the following year, in 1996, with a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by church president Gordon B. Hinckley. Despite heavy rainfall, the event was attended by 4,000 people, demonstrating their commitment to the project. Hinckley addressed the gathering with a light-hearted remark, acknowledging the wet conditions: "My beloved and wet brothers and sisters."

The construction of the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple faced some challenges and delays due to civil unrest in the city. However, it was eventually completed and dedicated in April 2000. The temple is a modern structure that reflects Bolivian culture in its design. It features a blend of hand-hewn granite and plaster on its exterior and is topped by a statue of the angel Moroni. The temple includes two ordinance rooms and three sealing rooms, providing a space for worship and religious ceremonies for the LDS community in Cochabamba.

The announcement and construction of the temple in Cochabamba during Holy Week in 1995 marked a significant milestone for the LDS Church in Bolivia. It represented the growth and resilience of the religious community and their dedication to establishing a permanent place of worship in the country.

Catholics wove braids of palm leaves to bless their parishes

In Bolivia, 78% of the population is Catholic, and they have unique traditions to celebrate Holy Week. These celebrations begin on Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter. On this day, people weave braids made of palm leaves, which they use to bless their parishes. This act of blessing is done by hanging the palm braids on the doors of their homes for the rest of the year, signifying that their homes have been blessed by God.

The tradition of weaving palm braids is a creative and symbolic way for Catholics in Cochabamba, Bolivia, to actively participate in Holy Week celebrations. By crafting these palm leaf decorations, they engage in a meaningful ritual that connects them to their faith and community.

Weaving braids out of palm leaves requires skill and patience. Catholics in Cochabamba carefully select and gather palm leaves, which hold religious significance as a reminder of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted with palm branches. They then intricately weave these leaves together to create beautiful and intricate braids.

The act of weaving is often a communal activity, bringing Catholics together to share in the joy of the season. It is a time for conversation, reflection, and strengthening community bonds. The process of creating these palm leaf braids becomes a sacred act in itself, as it transforms natural materials into objects imbued with spiritual meaning.

The blessing of the parishes with the palm braids is a powerful moment in the Holy Week celebrations. Catholics in Cochabamba believe that by hanging these braids on their parish doors, they are inviting God's presence into their spiritual homes and seeking divine protection and favour for the coming year.

The palm braids become a visual reminder of their faith and a symbol of unity within the community. Throughout the year, parishioners take comfort in seeing the palm braids displayed, knowing that their neighbours share the same beliefs and values. This simple yet profound tradition is a testament to the enduring importance of religious expression and community solidarity in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Community members hosted processions through the streets

In Bolivia, the Friday before Easter is known as Holy Friday, the day of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his imprisonment, and crucifixion. On this day in 1995, community members in Cochabamba hosted processions through the streets, walking to churches. It is a Bolivian tradition to visit at least six Catholic churches that night. Along the way, people eat typical desserts such as arroz con leche (rice pudding), api (a hot drink made with purple corn), and buñuelos (fried donuts).

The processions are a time for community members to come together and reflect on the religious significance of the day. They walk together, often in solemn contemplation, as they make their way to the different churches. The churches are usually decorated with religious symbols and imagery, creating a sense of solemnity and devotion. Some people may choose to pray or meditate during the processions, while others may engage in quiet conversation with their fellow community members.

For many Bolivians, these processions are an important part of their cultural and religious identity. They provide an opportunity to connect with their faith and their community, and to participate in a tradition that has been passed down through generations. The processions also serve as a reminder of the shared beliefs and values that unite the community during this sacred time of year.

In addition to the processions, there are other traditions that are observed during Holy Week in Cochabamba. For example, on Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter, people weave or buy a braid made of palm leaves. This braid is used to bless the nearest parish and is then hung on the door of their homes for the rest of the year as a sign that the house has been blessed by God.

From Holy Friday to Holy Sunday, Catholics enter a season of penance and fasting, avoiding red meat. During these three days, it is traditional to cook and share 12 dishes with family and friends. These dishes include a variety of stews, soups, and dishes made with vegetables, fish, and beans.

High school students made floral doily carpets to honour Christ's resurrection

In Bolivia, Easter celebrations vary depending on geographical context and religious background. The name "Easter" is not widely used. Catholics, who make up 78% of the Bolivian population, refer to the week as "Holy Week" ("Semana Santa" in Spanish), while Evangelicals, who make up 16%, only celebrate "Resurrection Sunday".

In the area of Cochabamba, high school students have a unique tradition of making floral doily carpets to honour Christ's resurrection. On the Saturday before Easter, at midnight, students work on these carpets, known as rugs, in the streets. The following morning, people going to the Resurrection Mass admire the intricate floral designs. This is just one of the ways Bolivians celebrate Easter, with other traditions including blessing the nearest parish with palm leaves on Palm Sunday and visiting at least six Catholic churches on Holy Friday.

The creation of these floral doily carpets by high school students in Cochabamba is a special way to commemorate Christ's resurrection during Holy Week. It is a collaborative effort that brings the community together and showcases their artistic talents. The students work diligently through the night to ensure that their carpets are ready to be displayed by the time the sun rises on Sunday. This tradition is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the youth in Cochabamba, who find a unique way to express their faith and contribute to the Easter celebrations in their community.

The carpets are made with intricate floral designs, reflecting the beauty of nature and symbolising new life and hope. The students carefully arrange flowers and other decorative elements to form intricate patterns and religious motifs. Each carpet is a work of art in its own right, and the students take pride in their creations. The carpets not only honour Christ's resurrection but also serve as a form of devotional art, inspiring reflection and appreciation for the beauty of nature and the significance of the Easter season.

The tradition of creating floral doily carpets during Holy Week is a cherished part of the Easter celebrations in Cochabamba. It is a time for the community to come together and express their faith and creativity. The students' dedication and artistic talents result in carpets that are not only visually stunning but also hold deep spiritual significance. This tradition is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bolivia, where Easter is celebrated with unique and meaningful traditions that bring people together.

The city's water supply was privatised

In 1995, the World Bank's "Major Cities Water and Sewerage Rehabilitation Project" included a condition to privatise the La Paz and Cochabamba water utilities. The privatisation was required to allow a two-year extension of the project that was due to close that year.

The World Bank project began in 1990 and covered three cities, leading to diverging outcomes. Access to water increased and service quality improved in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where a cooperative provided services. However, results were mixed in La Paz and poor in Cochabamba. In Cochabamba, access to piped water decreased from 70% to 60%, water losses remained high at 40%, and water supply remained unreliable at about four hours a day, despite the funds made available by the World Bank.

Due to these unsatisfactory results, the World Bank ended its involvement with water in Cochabamba in 1997. However, the privatisation process continued, and in 1999, the Bolivian government auctioned off the state water agency, SEMAPA. Only one party placed a bid: Aguas del Tunari, a consortium between the British firm International Waters (a subsidiary of the US construction giant Bechtel) and United Utilities (a UK engineering and construction firm), as well as several other Spanish and Bolivian companies.

The Aguas del Tunari consortium agreed to a $2.5 billion, 40-year concession to "provide water and sanitation services to the residents of Cochabamba, as well as generate electricity and irrigation for agriculture." The terms of the contract guaranteed the consortium a minimum 15% annual return on its investment, adjusted annually to the US consumer price index.

To ensure the legality of the privatisation, the Bolivian government passed Law 2029, which verified the contract with Aguas del Tunari. However, many people interpreted this law as giving Aguas del Tunari a monopoly over all water resources, including water used for irrigation by peasant farmers and community-based resources that had previously been independent of regulation. This interpretation sparked widespread fears and concerns, leading to the formation of the Coördinator for the Defense of Water and Life, or La Coordinadora, which became the core of the opposition to the privatisation policy.

The interpretation of Law 2029 as granting a monopoly over water resources was one of the primary points of disagreement between protestors and the government. The law was seen as a symbol of the issues with the neoliberal development strategy, including its lack of concern for equity and its rejection of the role of the state. The traditional left claimed that the transfer of state property to private enterprises was unconstitutional, while the right opposed the denationalisation of enterprises that they considered vital and strategic.

In January 2000, massive protests erupted in Cochabamba, with Oscar Olivera among the most outspoken leaders against the rate hikes and subsequent water cut-offs. The demonstrators consisted of peasant irrigators, retired unionised factory workers, and Bolivian citizens. Young men tried to take over the plaza, and barricades were set up across incoming roadways. They were soon joined by pieceworkers, sweatshop employees, street vendors, anarchists from the middle classes, and the city's growing population of homeless street children.

The protests escalated, with demonstrators halting Cochabamba's economy through a general strike that shut down the city for four days. Despite the government initially agreeing to roll back water rates, the demonstrations continued and spread to other areas, including La Paz, Oruro, and Potosí. The protesters' demands expanded beyond water prices, calling on the government to resolve unemployment and other economic problems. The Bolivian government, fearing a repeat of past uprisings, declared a "state of siege" on April 8, 2000, suspending some constitutional guarantees and restricting civil liberties.

The protests culminated in tens of thousands of people marching downtown and clashing with police. One civilian was killed, and there were several injuries and arrests. On April 10, 2000, the national government reached an agreement with La Coordinadora to reverse the privatisation. A complaint filed by foreign investors was resolved by agreement in February 2001.

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