The San Roque/Saint Roch Festival of Tarija is in the city of Tarija, southeast of Bolivia, The annual festival starts on August 16 and continues until mid-September.
Back in 1853 and 1859, a leprosy plague devastated Tarija City, and the hospital for leprosy patients was built in Lazareto. Every time a leper went to the city, they announced themselves with an arrow, produced from wood and cane, making a strident sound.
The Tarijenos of that time left bread and food on the street and locked themselves in their homes to avoid contact with lepers. Tradition has it that the appearance of San Roque ended the plague because Tarija's inhabitants felt a strong devotion to the patron saint of pilgrims.
Therefore, this celebration is rooted in religious and faith-based practices, preserved and transmitted through families and in the Catholic community. The processions are followed by music festivals, competitions, and fireworks that are dedicated to Saint Roch. San Roque celebrations typically begin the first Sunday in September and last for eight days.
They typically include musical performances, such as tamborcillos, quenillas, and arrows, as well as a colorful Chuncho procession where the Chuncho (forest dwelling) people traditionally wear ‘coveralls’ (traditionally worn by lepers). St. Roch's statue is carried, and the saint's clothes are changed daily. A crowd of believers lines the streets, praying that he will cure their family.
At the festival, processions pass the streets of Tarija, where people visited the churches and a cathedral. People in colorful costumes and masks danced, sang, and prayed. Neighbors decorated the temples and streets through which the procession passed and organized sports and cultural activities. There is no alcohol served at this festival, which consists of regional crafts and traditional foods.
There is a big party in front of the Saint Roch church on the second to last day when all the Chuncho dancers pay their respects to the Saint, and there is a fireworks show, as well as a folkloric concert, and some traditional events, such as the "Baile del Toro," which involves someone making a "bullhead," and dancing around the plaza while fireworks light up the bull which can last until late at night.
On the last day of the festival, the festivities come to a close with the Saint being brought back to the Saint Roch church. All the "Chunchos" pay their respects to the Saint on the last day. There is also a noticeable increase in hangers-on and spectators. The plaza and surrounding streets are jam-packed hours before the Saint gets back to the church.