The festival is for the Ekeko or Eq'eq'o, the Aymara god of fortune and prosperity believed to bring good luck to a household. It is held in January and sprawls along many streets and parks in central La Paz. People come from all over to buy miniature versions of goods they would like to own - everything from homes, appliances, food, cars, money, diplomas, etc. You can also many representations of the Ekeko himself, the most common is a painted clay version that looks like an indigenous man, laden down with all sorts of goods. Many households have one of these statues and periodic offerings of food, drink are left and even lit cigarettes placed in his open mouth, to bring about good fortune.
Click here for a slideshow of images shot while roaming through the crowded streets of the festival.