In a practice rooted in Indigenous tradition, blended with Catholic syncreticism, many Indigenous Bolivians honored and decorated skulls on the Day of Skulls, celebrated one week after All Saints Day and Day of the Dead.

Skulls, called “ñatitas,” were adorned with flowers, hats, food, and cigarettes before being marched to the cemetery. The practice is believed to honor loved ones and bring good fortune and protection.

The Roman Catholic Church has long refused to endorse the tradition, but when protests demanded the church open its cemetery doors 12 years ago, it decided to allow priests to bless the ceremony.