# Cochabamba anniversary administrative dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cochabamba-anniversary-administrative-dispute
> Updated: 2026-09-13T01:24:26.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

The department of Cochabamba, Bolivia, began preparations for its September anniversary celebrations, which include a public holiday on September 14 to honor its historical role in the nation’s independence. Initial preparations involved city-wide ornamentation, such as the installation of illuminated ‘sombreros vallunos’ and other decorations in key locations like Plaza 14 de Septiembre.

However, a jurisdictional dispute emerged between the Cochabamba Municipal Government and the Departmental Government regarding the organization of the 216th anniversary. Following Supreme Decree 5691, Mayor Manfred Reyes Villa stated that the municipality would lead the civic acts, noting that the Ministry of the Presidency assigned this responsibility to the local government. The Departmental Government contested this, maintaining that the celebration is a departmental event and proceeding with its own planned agenda for September 13 and 14. This disagreement has resulted in parallel celebrations organized by both administrations.

Amidst this dispute, President Rodrigo Paz is scheduled to participate in ceremonial events on September 13 and 14 to commemorate the 216th anniversary of the city’s liberation movement. According to Vice Minister of Legislative Coordination Wilson Santamaría, the presidential agenda includes the delivery of various public works and projects. These initiatives are being coordinated between the national government and the Autonomous Municipal Government of Cochabamba. Ministers from sectors such as Public Works and Productive Development are also expected to announce projects, with main official activities and honor sessions concentrated on Monday, September 14.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Bolivia faces political crisis amid economic instability

Bolivia faces rising political tension as President Rodrigo Paz loses party support and faces protests from the transport sector and Santa Cruz over economic crises and the state of exception.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/president-rodrigo-paz-to-attend-ceremonies-and-deliver-works-in-cochabamba

### 2026-09-10: Cochabamba authorities clash over anniversary celebrations

Cochabamba's municipal and departmental governments are holding parallel celebrations for the region's 216th anniversary following a decree shifting organizational responsibility to municipalities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cochabamba-authorities-clash-over-anniversary-celebrations

### 2026-08-31: Cochabamba prepares for September anniversary and public holiday

Cochabamba, Bolivia, will observe a public holiday on September 14 for its departmental anniversary, featuring city-wide decorations and illuminated traditional hats.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cochabamba-prepares-for-september-anniversary-and-public-holiday

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Cite as: Cochabamba anniversary administrative dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cochabamba-anniversary-administrative-dispute