Santiago de Macha facts for kids
Santiago de Macha or Macha is a small town in Bolivia. It is located in the Potosí area, within the Chayanta Province. In 2001, about 1,850 people lived in Macha itself. The wider Macha area, called a canton, had around 8,769 residents. Many young adults from Macha find work outside the town. The town's main market is only open on Sundays. Most people in Macha earn a living through subsistence agriculture. This means they grow just enough food for their families to eat.
Every year on May 3rd, Macha hosts a special religious festival called Tinku. This is an ancient Aymara tradition. During Tinku, people from different groups take part in a ritual fist-fighting challenge. It is a way to honor Pachamama, or Mother Earth, and ask for a good harvest.
Macha is also famous for its history. The rebel leader Túpac Katari was born here in 1750. He was an important figure who fought for the rights of indigenous people. Later, between October and November 1813, Macha became a key place during the Argentine War of Independence. The Army of the North, led by General Manuel Belgrano, used the town as its headquarters. They were fighting for independence from Spanish rule.
See also
In Spanish: Santiago de Macha para niños
