Urbanization of the Altiplano, 1996
On a warm February day Alvaro walks the land where he will one day
construct a home, celebrating Carnaval and blessing the lot by throwing
streamers and sprinkling alcohol on the ground. On this day residents
throughout the city decorate their homes with flags, confetti and
such in recognition of this religious occasion. Although Alvaro and
his family have only recently purchased this real estate, he, his
wife and siblings regularly visit the property to plant crops and
build adobes anticipating the construction of their future house.
This location at the periphery of El Alto is an excellent example
of the process of urbanization in action.
