Bolivia's Gran Poder festival sees President Rodrigo Paz and $57 million economic boost

President Rodrigo Paz attended the Entrada del Señor Jesús del Gran Poder in La Paz on 1 August 2026, joining the official stand and even dancing to the rhythm of the caporales. He highlighted the event’s role as a socio‑economic engine and praised the resilience of transporters and other sectors after weeks of blockades.

Bolivian officials stressed the festival’s economic impact, with estimates ranging from more than $57 million to over $120 million generated by the celebration. The activity sustains more than 200 000 families involved in costume making, music, commerce, tourism and related services. The vice‑minister of Cultures and Folklore, Andrés Zaratti, noted the broad benefits across merchants, artisans, musicians and transporters.

The cultural significance is equally prominent: the UNESCO‑listed Gran Poder draws about 130 000 dancers and musicians from 74 fraternities, including roughly 95 000 dancers and 35 000 brass bands. The procession covers an eight‑kilometre route through central La Paz, marking one of the largest folkloric expressions of the Andes and reaffirming Bolivia’s heritage after previous postponements due to civil unrest.