Culture and Customs of Bolivia

Download or read book Culture and Customs of Bolivia written by Javier A. Galván and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2011-04-06 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book, contemporary representations of Bolivian art, music, religion, literature, festivals, theater, and cinema document how history and geography have shaped Bolivia's modern culture. Bolivia has long been neglected by North American historians and anthropologists. Now, author Javier A. Galván fills this gap with a book that analyzes the complex cultures of this South American nation within the context of its rich history and contemporary traditions. The first half of this text is dedicated to how and where people live—detailed geography, social traditions, religious practices, political institutions, and Bolivian cuisine and culture. The varied religious and linguistic traditions of the indigenous groups that comprise the majority of the national population are also described, giving readers a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Bolivia's character. The second half of the book explores the creative talent of Bolivians who are advancing the literary movements, painting styles, architectural design, theater productions, fashion design, and emerging film industry of the country. Culture and Customs of Bolivia also includes a detailed analysis of contemporary print and broadcasting media.