A Day of Culture and Reunion for Bolivia’s Bicentennial in Amsterdam
To mark the 200th anniversary of Bolivia’s independence, an event celebrating the country’s cultural richness through art, music, dance, and cuisine was held on Saturday, June 14 at Casa Migrante in Amsterdam. Organized by the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia in the Netherlands in collaboration with the Bolivian community in Amsterdam, the gathering brought together art and culture enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.
The exhibition space featured works by three artists with complementary proposals:
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El Vuelo del Cóndor by Pablo Alanes symbolically connected the vision of the Andean condor with a contemporary visual narrative. → View exhibition article
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Ajayu by Francisco Claure Ibarra presented high-contrast black-and-white photographs that capture the soul —ajayu— of landscapes and people. → Learn more about his work
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Vital and Sustainable Art by architect Gabriela Dalhoeven Telleria offered an artistic vision inspired by nature as a source of balance. → Discover her vision
The artistic program included folkloric dance performances by Bolivia Unida Amsterdam and Bolivia Minka, two groups that promote Bolivian identity across Europe through traditional dance. Bolivia Unida, founded by young Bolivians living in the Netherlands, and Bolivia Minka, known for its active community presence, showcased a vibrant tour of Bolivian folklore through traditional costumes and native music.
The event also featured live music by Ensamble La Plata, a set by DJ Tico, a Bolivian high-altitude wine tasting courtesy of Andina Connect, and a traditional food presentation by the Sabores Cruceños team.
A tribute was also held in memory of Mr. Ronald Sigfredo Aguilar Vaca, honoring his contributions to the Bolivian community in the Netherlands.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Jorge Silva welcomed the attendees and emphasized the significance of Bolivia’s Bicentennial as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s diverse cultural heritage. He highlighted the role of the Bolivian community in the Netherlands in preserving and sharing national traditions, and expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that made this event possible.
We are proud to have initiatives like this one that strengthen the bonds among Bolivians living abroad and promote the richness of our culture in spaces open to intercultural dialogue.
📍 Direct contact and official links
📄 Embassy of Bolivia in the Netherlands – official event post
📸 Bolivia Unida Amsterdam – performances and activities
📸 Bolivia Minka – tradition and folklore
📄 Pablo Alanes – works and interviews
📄 Francisco Claure Ibarra – handmade photography
📄 Gabriela Dalhoeven – sustainable architecture and art
🍷 Andina Connect – Bolivian wine and coffee
🥘 Sabores Cruceños – Bolivian cuisine in the Netherlands
