Learning a bit more about the Bolivian culture is definitely part of my ‘unofficial duties‘ as an expat and a mother… We have lived in different places, and each country has its own way to greet the coming year… in Brazil, our previous post, the New Year is celebrated in white clothes, and at midnight, asking for blessings from Yemanjá, the protector of the waters.
Regarding the many different traditions for welcoming the New Year, the beautiful country of Bolivia couldn’t stay behind others, and for sure, brings out its very own expression of ‘luck’…
This time, I was quite surprised to find out how: WEARING YELLOW (AND/OR) RED UNDERWEAR! Similar to countries like Mexico, where colorful underwear is a ‘must-have’ for the New Year’s Eve, here in Bolivia, it’s important when the underwear is changed.
People have to buy some yellow [or red] underwear piece and wait for midnight… When it comes, they just run to a place to change it and believe that their luck will change as well! It’s also believed that this practice helps them find a loving mate. Red means an amorous love life ahead and yellow expresses the desire to gain money and wealth. The wishes of the locals are expressed via their underpants.
Think I’m just making it up? Take a look at the largest open market in Achumani, a residential area in La Paz, and tell me what you spot from the selling stands! ♥ The Cholitas selling their articles probably thought I was another ‘crazy foreigner‘ when asked them for permission to snap these shots… and they were a bit disappointed when learned I wasn’t gonna buy any pieces… ‘aren’t you concerned about your good fortune for next year?’ And with a smile, I just kindly thanked them for their time and help, and for explaining the meaning behind the colors; but told them I was happy with my present fortune… and that I’d be okay for the New Year’s, despite lacking a piece of undergarment displaying a money sign… 
Wishing all a very HAPPY, COLORFUL & LUCKY NEW YEAR!
[even if you could not get your red/yellow piece of underclothing for good luck!]
Related articles
- Snapshots of the Ballet Folklorico de Potosi, Bolivia. A dinner and dance presentation in La Paz. (3rdculturechildren.com)
- Pachamama: Mother of All (takingtotheopenroad.wordpress.com)
- New Year’s Day Superstitions (nightcaptv.com)
- 11 Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions (lasesana.wordpress.com)
brasileiro? latino? no speak americano?? click!
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays
good feedback!
Catherine
January 9, 2013 at 7:48 pm
Haha, great custom! I love learning about different cultures, especially with such interesting traditions.
Did you go for the yellow or red? Did anyone get creative and tie-dye their ‘unmentionables’ using both colors?
3rdCultureChildren
January 9, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Very funny, Catherine! To be very honest, don’t really remember what I went for, although I do respect traditions, and being a Brazilian-born expat, it’s traditional to wear white clothing for the New Year’s Eve… that said, it’s pretty easy to ‘respect the tradition’
I don;t know about anyone dying their unmentionables… but I did see a lot [and I mean dozens!] of people at the open public market on the 31st, looking for…err…. that special something! 
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and check it out! Happy New Year!
Catherine
January 9, 2013 at 8:05 pm
I appreciate your candid commentary on this post. Thanks for sharing! Happy new year to you, as well!!
juliemckaycovert
January 4, 2013 at 11:55 pm
I’d heard of traditions like this, but never seen evidence of it. Thanks for the great “undercover” reporting!
3rdCultureChildren
January 5, 2013 at 12:07 am
Funny, funny… glad you enjoyed it!
Sas
January 4, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Cool tradition, I might try and start something similar here in South Wales
Doesn’t it mean that everyone disappears at midnight on New Years Eve, though?
3rdCultureChildren
January 4, 2013 at 12:40 pm
No, not really! Not everyone disappears! But you’re welcome to ‘introduce’ the tradition there! I’m sure people are already ‘wearing their lucky pieces’ by the time midnight kicks in, so they may ring in to the New Year, already, ‘covered with luck, love & wealth’…
Just a thought! Thank you for stopping by and checking it out, Sas! Greetings from La Paz, Bolivia!
Sas
January 4, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Well, red is a lucky colour here anyway. The Welsh dragon on the national flag is red, and the national rugby team wear red. And I think a lot of people wear underwear with the Welsh dragon on anyway. Happy 2013
3rdCultureChildren
January 4, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Oh, well, it seems like a very fortunate combination!
Happy 2013, and thanks for the bit of info on the Welsh culture… I had no idea!
Lucid Gypsy
January 3, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Hilarious!
3rdCultureChildren
January 3, 2013 at 7:20 pm
I know!
Happy 2013! And lots of luck! 
sueannm66
January 3, 2013 at 6:12 pm
Interesting tradition! I think I would probably buy both colours and try it out – just in case!
3rdCultureChildren
January 3, 2013 at 7:24 pm
One’s gotta help luck, right? They have underwear pieces with both colors… did you take a close look at the ones with the dollar/money sign? It blends the red&yellow, for love… and wealth!!! Thanks for taking the time to check it out, Sue Ann! Happy and Successful New Year!
sueannm66
January 3, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Of course they have thought this through! Much better than having to wear 2 pairs at once! Happy New Year!
3rdCultureChildren
January 3, 2013 at 10:34 pm
Terri at Time To Be Inspired
January 2, 2013 at 5:30 pm
I love it! And I love that you explained with great photos. It’s too easy to see unusual things and just “wonder” what it’s all about. Thanks for finding out!
3rdCultureChildren
January 2, 2013 at 5:42 pm
Terri – Glad you enjoyed it! As I mentioned earlier [blogpost], it’s part of my duties, as an expat & mom – I need to ‘educate myself’, learning about the local culture, so I may share the experiences with my growing kids… Everyone wins that way!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your comments – much appreciated! Have a great New Year!
gooseyanne
January 2, 2013 at 4:16 pm
I`m sitting here chuckling visualising all those people trying to find a hidey-hole in which to change their underwear at the stroke of midnight! It surely beats fireworks or the crowds in Trafalgar Square, London.
3rdCultureChildren
January 2, 2013 at 4:18 pm
I know! Although New Year’s Eve celebration in London is not bad, at all!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and check the blogpost! It’s been a fantastic journey, and we’re learning each day more about the Bolivian culture and traditions… Some are funnier than others! I’ll keep searching for more… have a great New Year! 
Heather Tamara
January 2, 2013 at 1:44 pm
When I lived in Venezuela, I always saw piles of yellow underwear at all the street markets through December. I was always told it was for good luck, but I haven’t seen the running to the other room to change your underwear at midnight. That’s a new one! Thanks for bringing back some nice South American New Year’s memories…
3rdCultureChildren
January 2, 2013 at 2:11 pm
You’re more than welcome, Heather! Thanks for checking it out !
aFrankAngle
January 1, 2013 at 7:02 pm
This is a great tradition that I didn’t know. Thanks for being curious enough to get the pics. Happy New Year!
3rdCultureChildren
January 1, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Thank you very much for the praising words! Happy New Year, as well!
Bella Remy Photography
December 31, 2012 at 8:49 pm
That is so a new tradition. My mother certainly never did this, and they didn’t do it when I was there in the late 1970′s. Funny though!
3rdCultureChildren
January 1, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Interesting… I’m sure things have changed a lot since you were here last! Have a very happy New Year!
colonialist
December 31, 2012 at 6:29 am
*goes dashing out to search for red scants with yellow stripes, or vice versa*
3rdCultureChildren
December 31, 2012 at 10:24 am
?What?
colonialist
December 31, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Yellow ones with red stripes would do. Or verse vica!
3rdCultureChildren
December 31, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Playamart - Zeebra Designs
December 31, 2012 at 1:53 am
This is so great! Thank you for sharing! Z
3rdCultureChildren
December 31, 2012 at 2:09 am
Quite funny, right?
Thanks for checking it out!