玻利维亚人庆祝独立日

Cloudy skies did little to dampen the festive spirit in Sao Paolo, as the country's Bolivian community celebrated their country's independence over the weekend. Thousands gathered at the city's Latin America Memorial for the eighth ‘I Love You Bolivia’ celebration.

The festival honors the country's culture, heritage and 189 years of independence.

After more than a decade of war against the colonialists, the state of Bolivia was finally established on August 6, 1825.

Saturday's expectant crowd was treated to a full day of parading groups of costumed dancers and musicians playing traditional folk music.

Davi Flores, a Bolivian who has lived in Sao Paulo for seven years, said the festival was a way for his community to celebrate their independence together.

"We're representing our country. We also have a day like this in our own country. This festival is the last cry for our country's freedom, when we declared independence. This is why we are holding the celebration," Davi Flores, Bolivian Living in Sao Paulo, said.

An estimated 300-thousand Bolivians reside in Sao Paolo - South America's largest city and primary economic hub.

Organisers of the festival said they expect to bring together an estimated 60-thousand people over the weekend. Both young and old were counted on to show off the colorful and unique style of dress for which Bolivia is famous.

Bolivian Domi Condore said they carry a message in their dance performace.

"We are Bolivian and we want peace in Bolivia, this is why we are here dancing. This is a dance we also dance in Bolivia, the Morenada," Domi Condore said.

This traditional dance originates in the Andes. The festivities lasted over the weekend.