URUBICHA, BOLIVIAUrubicha is a town located Northeast of the city of
Santa Cruz
on the banks of the Blanco River where the
Jesuits
built one of their missions. Its natural surroundings are spectacular and its lagoons are always full of life. The people here, of Guarayo origin, have made it their mission to preserve the
baroque music
brought from Europe by the Jesuits.
Photo © 2003-2008
Daniel Beams.
There is a music school here, and an orchestra that has traveled to other countries to exhibit. Violins and other musical instruments are made here by highly skilled artisans. In 2003 the Urubicha Choir and Orchestra won the 13th "Bartolomé de las Casas" award in recognition of their efforts to preserve the artistic and musical heritage of the Jesuit Missions. Its roughly 4500 inhabitants are simple and live off the land and grow corn, bananas, peanuts and manioc, mostly for their own consumption. Many walk 5-6 six miles to get to their crops, and nearly a mile to collect water and wash their clothes in the river. The town has several workshops where artisans carve, paint, and weave hammocks and other items for tourists. This is a very poor town. There is very little running water and most homes do not have electricity. The town has been all but forgotten and many children do not get an
education.
There is only one health post. It is very secluded, and obviously in need of aid. However, the people are friendly and open to visitors. This town, if not for its efforts to conserve its baroque music traditions, would be relatively unknown.
This video features music by the Urubicha Orchestra and Choir,
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