6 Ways to Get into the Holiday Spirit in La Paz

Christmas is one of those holidays that just seems to be filled with cheer and wonder. Luckily, the season is now upon us! We have listed below a few things you can do to celebrate the holidays here in La Paz, filling the month of December with happiness and memory making with friends and loved ones.

1) Celebrate the Dia de Guadalupe – Tuesday, December 12th is Dia de Guadalupe, a special day to many Catholics, especially Mexicans, as it is the day that celebrates the belief that the Virgin of Guadalupe (or, La Virgen de Guadalupe, en español) was to have appeared before peasant Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531. La Paz celebrates with a parade along the streets of Forjadores and 5 de Febrero. December 12th also marks the beginning of Mexico’s very festive Christmas season of celebrations including posadas, nacimientos, pastorelas and plenty of parties!

2) Head out and do some shopping the traditional way! The La Paz Christmas Tianguis, or open-air street stands, can be found on the streets of Madero and Independencia until Christmas Day. Along several blocks of streets downtown, vendors are lined up selling toys, clothes, shoes, backpacks, games etc.

3) Take some family photos with Santa and the gang! One night just before dusk during the month of December, be sure to drive down the malecon in La Paz past El Moro Hotel towards the Araiza Inn turn-off. To your right, you will without a doubt notice holiday lights and a Christmas themed display. Park, walk around and enjoy the sights! Admission is free.

4) Attend a Christmas craft show! It isn’t Christmas without attending a Christmas themed craft show. The annual Christmas Bazaar is taking place at Club Cruceros in Marina La Paz (Topete and Legaspi) on Sunday, December 9th from 9am until 2pm with plenty of crafts, art and food for sale. Contact 612 104 3290 for more information.

5) Enjoy the Christmas lights! Tour the city after dark to view the festivity of Christmas lights and displays twinkling on even the humblest of homes. The municipality usually does up the malecon quite nicely, too! As a finale, enjoy an ice cream cone at La Fuente on the malecon and enjoy the many happy faces walking by.

6) Swim with the whale sharks! December is the perfect time of year to do one of the top things in La Paz – snorkel with the whale sharks! Join a chartered boat (there are many tour operators in the city) and feel exhilarated by this once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to take your camera as nothing beats being up close and personal with a whale shark.

How’s that for Christmas memory making?

H2O Professionals