Bolivia's Way to Party: Country Finds Queen of Great Power to Lead Festivities

On 24 May, the Bolivian city of La Paz witnessed the largest religious festival in the Andes. It was planned to find a queen that would lead the annual event during Festival of the Lord Jesus of the Great Power uniting thousands of dancers and musicians on the streets of La Paz on 21 June.

The honorary title was won by contestant Steffany Arriaza Cabezas, who competed against over 70 participants. She represented "Morenada X of the Great Power"; morenada is a folk dance originating from the Andes. Recently, it has taken over Chile, Peru and Argentina. 

Sputnik has compiled a gallery for you showing the highlights of the extravagant contest. 

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A contestant competes in the Queen of Great Power contest, in La Paz.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A contestant holds her mask as she waits to compete in the Queen of Great Power contest, in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A women competes in the Queen of the Great Power contest in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A woman helps a contestant with her outfit in preparation for the Queen of Great Power contest in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A contestant performs in the contest to elect the Queen of Great Power in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A contestant performs in wooden Pujllay dance shoes known as "ojotas", in a contest to elect the Queen of Great Power in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A woman competes in the Queen of the Great Power contest in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

A woman competes in the Queen of Great Power contest in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

Contestants embrace after they are eliminated in the first round of the Queen of Great Power contest in La Paz, Bolivia.

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© AP Photo / Juan Karita

Contestants acknowledge the audience during the Queen of Great Power contest in La Paz, Bolivia.