The Indians converted to Catholicism to please them, but secretly they held onto many of their own beliefs and practices. These still play a large part in religious processions today. Children are given responsibilities helping on the farm, or caring for the smaller children in the families. Fathers teach sons how to make reed boats that skim across Lake Titicaca's surface, and how to spear fish. Mothers teach the girls how to weave, cook, and care for younger children.
Family ties are strong and each person is made to feel wanted and important.
One thing that all Bolivians love are fiestas for special holidays. Fiestas are times of joy. There is always lots of food, music, dancing, singing, and merry making. Colorful costumes and masks are made to provide entertainment. Baptisms and marriages often take place during fiestas because many places do not have a resident priest.