Bolivian Father's Day Celebration

"One day during my volunteer stint at Los Amigos Quaker school in La Paz, things seemed a little different.  Clearly something was up, but with my limited Spanish, I wasn’t able to figure it out - until midday, when a teacher was selling home-made chocolates (like hot cakes!) in the shapes of ties and watches to everyone within a mile of the teacher’s "lounge". Finally I understood.  The following day was Día del Padre (Father’s Day) in Bolivia, and clearly, it was an important day! 

Invitations were handed out to the kids at the end of the day to bring home to their families.  I also received a personal invitation, which was so touching.  But most endearing of all was the method the Kinder teachers used to send home invitations with the youngest of our students.  I almost melted when I saw an adorable 4-year-old wearing a large paper tie with the word, “invitación” on the front, and the invitation with details glued onto the back.

The next day, the buzz was palpable.  While an attempt to hold classes was made early in the morning, it was quickly abandoned as anticipation and excitement took over.  All talk turned towards the upcoming celebration.  The students had made beautiful cards adorned with pictures, heartfelt sentiments, and decorations for their fathers, which they proudly shared with one another. 

Meanwhile, preparations were underway in the courtyard.  A large white sheet had been hung and handmade letters that would soon spell “Felicidades Papá” were being taped to the sheet.  Someone had blown up balloons, and the oldest students were helping carry out speakers for the sound system.