Bolivian, Mestizo in Spain

Introduction / History

Bolivians are defined by their connection to the nation state of Bolivia. Mestizo Bolivians are those who are mixed European and Native American heritage. There are Mestizos in every Latin American country. Those from Bolivia are usually a mix of Spanish with one of three Native American groups: Aymara, Quechua, or Guarani.

There are Mestizo Bolivians in Bolivia, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Most Mestizo Bolivians in Spain arrived in the early 21st century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Bolivians are somewhat unique in Latin America because the vast majority are either indigenous or Mestizo. Women have their own clothing style, with long dresses and bowler hats dating back to the 1920s. They have their own styles that they associate with cholitas, rural women. Some of their styles are becoming accepted in Bolivia, a country where most live in a rural setting. In other countries like Spain, Mestizo Bolivians are usually urban. Though they are not fully adapted to Spain, they share a common language. There is a popular Bolivian restaurant in Barcelona.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Mestizo Bolivians are mostly Roman Catholic, and they allow for indigenous beliefs to be blended with the dogmas from Rome. A sizable minority are Evangelical, and they can be used by God to reach hundreds of others for Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Mestizo Bolivians need self-acceptance. They were created to be in God’s image for his purposes. It’s common for them to feel inferior, especially in light of their history of being controlled by others.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mestizo Bolivians to gladly take up their place at God’s table and become what he wants them to be.
Pray for them to recognize their dignity despite their history of being exploited.
Pray that soon, Mestizo Bolivian disciples will disciple others in Europe and the Americas.

Text Source:   Joshua Project