Why do bolivians wear bowler hats

More and more the young girls are turning to western style dress and forsaking the traditional costume of their mothers, at least in their day to day lives.

This is to be expected really as more indigenous are entering higher education and pursuing professional careers. Culturally it is expected that they wear more business like attire to become successful. You will find many indigenous girls in the universities of La Paz these days but are unlikely to find any wearing a pollera and hat.

It still features strongly in festivals and formal celebrations for both young and old alike. They seem to be a status symbol and worn with a lot of pride. Read some more about it here. I would say that stating that they are a source of pride references the importance, at least to some degree — but it is an overall discussion that pertains to the importance of the hat as a symbol of identity.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bolivia Bowler Hats. You may also like. Inti Raymi, or the Sun Festival June 10, June 10, Despite the influence of modern fashion in Bolivia, Cholitas have managed to maintain their traditional dress.

The fashion you see today was born from the times of the Inquisition, when the Spanish forced indigenous people to adopt the European dress of the era. Despite this oppression, Cholitas adopted the new style, empowering themselves by taking something tarnished and turning it into an outfit unique to them.

Once an image of poor country women, Cholita fashion now embodies both cultural pride and artistic expression. Unlike in times gone by, Cholitas are experiencing success and recognition throughout Bolivia and wear their traditional outfits with both confidence and dignity.

Outfits differ according to region, climate, income levels and personal choice. Story has it that the bowler hat was originally intended for railway engineers working in Bolivia. When a tradesman discovered that hats received in the shipment were too small, he peddled them to the local women who quite fancied them.

The craze caught on and the rest is history! La Pollera The pleated skirt achieves its voluminous look by using up to 8 meters of colorful cloth. The skirt reaches all the way down to the ankles, considered to be the most attractive part of a woman by many Bolivians. La Blusa The blouse is usually lacy and can be worn with either short or long-sleeves according to the climate.

Like this: Like Loading Cheers Nilla Like Liked by 2 people. These are wonderful photos Nilla xx Like Liked by 1 person. Cheers Nilla Like Liked by 1 person. Ha, ha, too funny Dave! What kind of hats do the men wear?

Cheers Nilla Like Like. Way cool! I learned a lot today! Happy to help and please feel free to share this post. I shared it. Thank you again! Thank you so much! A wonderful post and so informative too. Also the pictures were terrific! Great article. Thanks for the information! Thank you Rebecca! Do you have a favourite bowler hat photo? Of these beauties, La Paz is my favorite. Wonderful exhibition space. Your photos look great there. Very kind words Rebecca, thank you!

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