The Ekeko is the Tiwanakan god of abundance and prosperity in the mythology and folklore of the people from the Bolivian Altiplano. Its chief importance in popular culture is as the main figure of the annual Alasitas fair, a cultural event that happens every January 24 in La Paz, Bolivia. The Ekeko is a traditional god of luck and prosperity popular in the western region of Bolivia. In Peru the main festival is celebrated on May 3 of every year in the city of Puno, on the Machallata hill.
Ekeko
Representation of the Ekeko, in La Paz, Bolivia
Representation of the Ekeko, in Puno, Perú
Another artist impression of a Ekeko in Bolivia.
The largest Alasitas fair is an annual month-long cultural event starting on 24 January in La Paz, Bolivia. It honours Ekeko, the Aymara god of abundance, and is noted for the giving of miniature items. Other fiestas and ferias throughout Bolivia incorporate alasitas into religious observances: The Fiesta of the Virgin of Copacabana and the Fiesta of the Virgin of Urkupiña, for example.
View of Las Alasitas from the cable car of La Paz
Miniatures at the Alasitas Festival, Puno
Miniatures at the Alasitas festival
Image: Ekeko Bolivia