The Jesuit Missions can be visited at any time of year, but are most enjoyable in the dry season between June and October. A wonderful time to visit this area is during the Festival Internacional de Música Renacentista y Barroca Americana ‘Misiones de Chiquitos’, a world-renown, bi-annual music festival that celebrates the unique musical heritage of the Chiquitania. Held in April/May on even years (the next being in 2010), the region becomes the host of world-class Baroque music groups from Bolivia and around the world. Most of the performances are held in the beautifully restored Jesuit Mission churches, six of which are World Heritage Sites. Since its launch in 1996, the festival has grown to become one of the most important cultural events in Bolivia. This really is a unique experience; it’s the biggest festival of its kind in the world and makes for an unforgettable 11days.
There are many traditional festivals held throughout the year in the individual Jesuit settlements, offering you the chance to experience the best of Chiquitanian culture – see the individual towns for more details. The celebrations for the Patron Saint’s days are especially memorable. The Easter celebrations throughout the region are well worth a look, as are those for Carnival and All Saints/Souls Day.