NOVA presents its latest column “Unknown Lands”. The documentary series, dedicated to places that few people can touch, will be broadcast every Sunday in the morning block “Wake up”.
For 8 months, NOVA reporters will travel thousands of kilometers to reveal the secrets of the most exotic destinations. Wonders of the World, Spice Island, Death Road are just a small part of the surprises that viewers will see.
The curtain was lifted with a walk to the Bolivian Witch Market. He has a cure for everything from corns to mental anguish. Marta is one of the 100 sellers in the market. She has no working hours and no day off. He says that to be a witch you need knowledge. “We have no problem with people calling us witches. We heal them, they even call us shamans”, she says.
In Bolivia witchcraft is a profession. It is passed down in the family from mother to daughter. On this stand are the potions - they differ not only in color. “All these bottles are used for different reasons. In some of them, there is a perfume that can attract success, prosperity, or repel your enemies," Marta explains.
Despite the magical powers that are available on the shelves, tourists are often looking for something simple - a cure for a headache. The 4 thousand meters above sea level, at which they are located, most often hit the head. It turns out that there is also an elixir in the witch market that can ensure you eternal love.
No matter where you are from, love remains a global disease for which everyone seeks help. “I have a special potion for you to attract love to yourself. If you need someone to fall in love with you – I can give you some of it”, Marta points out.
Locals say that faith in folk medicine has helped them even during the pandemic. “When people here got sick with COVID, they came to the market. They bought natural medicines from the witches because they helped them to cope with the symptoms of the disease,” states Ivar Tyuba.
Before all that, however, the first thing you'll see on the market are llama embryos. They hang from the ceiling of every shop. Although it seems strange to you, this sight has an explanation. Temperatures in the mountains of Bolivia are low and often the llamas fail to wear the fruit. Both llama fur and candy are added to the fertility request.
Which is the highest capital city in the world where elevators are used for public transport? What does a water mirror look like on an area of 10 thousand square kilometers? Watch "Unknown Lands" - Bolivia this Sunday on "Awaken".