Cholitas reclaim their identity in vibrant fashion show
- A fashion show featuring Indigenous Cholas took place in Viacha, Bolivia, attracting over 12,000 people.
- Young models proudly showcased traditional clothing that symbolizes their cultural heritage.
- The event marks a significant moment for the community, reflecting a shift in perception and pride for Indigenous identities.
In Bolivia, specifically in the town of Viacha, Indigenous women known as Cholitas showcased their traditional clothing during a unique fashion show. This event, which took place recently in the town square, was notable for its representation of local culture, where models wore bowler hats, tiered skirts, and fringed shawls while strutting down an improvised runway. The show was attended by approximately 12,000 spectators, including teenage boys and mothers, who rallied in support of local talent and cultural pride. The models, aged between 15 and 25, displayed an elegant fusion of tradition and modernity, walking to popular late 90s and early 2000s American pop music. Street vendors were present, selling local delicacies, thus creating a festive atmosphere. Among the stunning visuals were the colorful polleras worn by the models, symbolizing the rich heritage of the Aymara community and its resistance against past attempts to suppress their cultural identity. Historically, the Aymara people faced monumental challenges as they encountered conquests by the Inca and later by Spanish colonizers. These forces attempted to erase their customs, particularly their traditional dress, which is now a source of pride rather than shame. The introduction of the bowler hat in the 1920s by British railway workers, which has come to characterize the Cholita outfit, exemplifies the cultural blending that occurred over the years. The fashion show serves as a reflection of changing attitudes towards Indigenous culture in Bolivia. The once derogatory term