Tinku

Tinku, a Bolivian Aymara tradition, began as a form of ritualistic combat. In the language of Aymara it means “meeting-encounter.” During this ritual, men and women from different communities will meet and begin the festivities by dancing. The women will then form circles and begin chanting while the men proceed to fight each other; rarely the women will join in the fighting as well. Large tinkus are held in Potosí during the first few weeks of May.