Zebras In Bolivia: The Unique Cultural Dress Code

In Bolivia, people dress as zebras to direct traffic and educate citizens about road safety. The zebras, or cebritas, are usually at-risk youth employed by the city government. The program was founded in La Paz in 2001 and has since expanded to other Bolivian cities. The zebras work to calm traffic and spread positivity among commuters through antics like dancing and skipping as they usher pedestrians along the crosswalk.

Zebras educate citizens about road safety

In Bolivia, people dressed as zebras can be seen dancing and interacting with drivers and pedestrians in the congested streets of La Paz, the administrative capital of the country. This unique initiative, featuring young people in zebra costumes, aims to address the city's notorious traffic issues and promote road safety.

The zebras, known locally as "cebritas," are part of a government-sponsored programme called "Las Cebras de La Paz" or "The Zebras of Peace." The programme was established in 2001 in response to the city's high number of traffic accidents and chaotic road conditions. La Paz, one of the highest cities in the world, faces significant traffic congestion due to its location and the increasing number of vehicles on the roads.

The zebras are selected from organisations that work with at-risk youths, offering them an opportunity to contribute to their community and develop valuable skills. They undergo two months of training in road safety, citizenship, and the spirit of being a zebra. They are easily recognisable in their full-body zebra costumes, dancing and guiding pedestrians while also reminding drivers to be cautious and follow the rules.

The zebras' approach is designed to be non-aggressive and positive, spreading messages of "Love" and "Respect" through their antics. They wave, hug children, and high-five pedestrians, creating a joyful atmosphere on the streets. Their presence has been shown to positively impact driver behaviour, making them more cautious and mannerly. The zebras have become beloved ambassadors for road safety and positive social change in La Paz.

The programme has expanded beyond road safety, with zebras educating citizens on various topics such as recycling, water conservation, noise pollution, and bullying. They visit schools, hospitals, and community events, spreading their message of civility and positive values. The zebras have become a symbol of peace and a source of pride for the city, even gaining international recognition for their innovative approach to urban challenges.

Zebras improve the mood on the streets

Secondly, the zebras improve the mood by reducing road rage and making the streets more civilised. They do this by encouraging safe driving and road safety, reminding drivers to be careful around pedestrians, and helping people cross the street safely. Their approach is non-aggressive and non-confrontational, focusing on humour, encouragement, and nudging people towards good behaviour. This stands in contrast to the more authoritative and punitive methods of police officers directing traffic, who may resort to whistling, yelling, or handing out tickets. The zebras' friendly and playful approach has been shown to be more effective in improving the mood and behaviour of drivers, making them more cautious and mannerly.

Additionally, the zebras improve the mood by connecting with people from all walks of life, including businessmen, beggars, children, and the elderly. They greet everyone they encounter, initiating friendly conversations and showing empathy. This social interaction can brighten people's days and create a sense of camaraderie and positivity. The zebras also serve as ambassadors for various social causes, such as encouraging people to use trash cans, avoid processed foods, and report crimes to the police.

The zebras themselves also benefit from the programme, as it provides them with a sense of community and support. Many of the zebras come from troubled backgrounds and find a surrogate family in their colleagues. The programme helps them develop important soft skills, such as accountability, empathy, and interacting with difficult people. It also provides them with a small stipend and access to educational and professional opportunities, helping them stay on track and improve their lives.

Zebras are employed by the city government

The zebras work to calm traffic and educate citizens in road safety, often through antics like lying across the hood of a car stopped in a crosswalk, as well as more standard methods like distributing leaflets and directing traffic. Their mission has expanded to include citizen education on topics such as recycling, water conservation, noise pollution, and bullying. They make appearances at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, television shows, and street festivals.

The zebra programme has been successful in improving traffic safety and reducing road rage. It has also had a positive impact on the lives of the at-risk youth involved, providing them with a sense of camaraderie and a positive influence. The zebras' enthusiasm and infectious positivity have made them a beloved part of the city's commuting force.

Zebras are selected from organisations that work with at-risk youth

The selection of at-risk youth for the zebra programme is intentional and part of a broader strategy to move these young people from the shadows into highly public positions of civic authority. The training, structure, support services, and social outlet of the programme help the young zebras stay on track to finish school and develop important soft skills. For example, the job gives them their first experience with "soft skills" such as showing up to work on time and learning how to interact with difficult people. The zebras are also connected with short, internship-like opportunities with the public transit system and local daycare centres, helping them to round out their work experience and land real jobs.

The zebra programme has been successful in improving the lives of the at-risk youth involved. Marco Pachuri, a 24-year-old zebra from La Paz, describes how the weekly work schedule and support from the programme's psychologists helped him become more accountable in his day-to-day tasks, like studying. Another zebra, Elena Cuevas, says that her colleagues in the programme act as a surrogate family for her, showing her that she is loved and not alone.

The selection of at-risk youth for the zebra programme has had a positive impact on the city of La Paz as well. By employing these young people and giving them a sense of purpose and community, the programme helps to reduce traffic accidents and create a more positive and civilised atmosphere on the streets.

Zebras promote positive values

The zebras' mission has expanded beyond road safety to include citizen education on topics such as recycling, water conservation, noise pollution, and bullying. They make appearances at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, television shows, and street festivals. The zebras' positivity and enthusiasm are infectious, spreading joy and camaraderie throughout the city.

The zebra programme is also about changing lives, providing at-risk youth with a supportive community, structure, and social outlet. It offers a monthly stipend, access to training courses, and helps participants develop important soft skills and a sense of accountability. The zebras' non-aggressive approach to traffic intervention, combined with their positivity and enthusiasm, has made them a loved and integral part of La Paz's commuting force.

The success of the zebra programme in La Paz has led to its expansion to other Bolivian cities and has even inspired similar initiatives in other parts of the world. The zebras' ability to promote positive values and bring about behavioural change through their unique approach has been recognised through various awards and accolades.

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