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Zebra directing city traffic. Cebra dirigiendo el tráfico en la ciudad.

Follow the Path of the Zebras, experience the Road Culture of La Paz

Camila Choque
The Zebras began their journey through the streets of La Paz in the 2000s, as part of a program aimed at reducing traffic accidents. This initiative has managed to change the road culture of La Paz, and it has done so with an approach full of humor and creativity that has won over the hearts of the citizens.
You’re walking through the busiest streets of La Paz, the vehicular chaos is an everyday occurrence, and as you’re about to cross a street, you come across a zebra! What is a zebra doing in the city? Who is this character brought from the African savannah? What does it have to do with La Paz? Ah, now I get it, it’s showing you the zebra crossing by being a zebra! In various corners of downtown La Paz, especially during peak vehicle and pedestrian hours, you can see these iconic characters who are young people dressed up as zebras, transforming the city each day with their energy to teach pedestrians and drivers about road safety in a fun and interactive way. The Municipal Government of La Paz created the Zebra Urban Educators Program, which consists of economically disadvantaged youths who need an opportunity to integrate into society. These young people are trained by the Municipal Government of La Paz with the goal of teaching passersby and drivers to respect the traffic lights and zebra crossings on the city’s busiest streets and avenues. Any young person who wishes to be a zebra can do so with the program zebra for a day, just contact the city hall on their social media for a more detailed explanation of this program. The little zebras have been so successful and are so well accepted by the citizens that they have become an icon of the city of La Paz, acting as a city transformer not only in road safety but also in many other aspects such as awareness of garbage management, alcohol prevention, natural risk prevention, care of the city’s natural and architectural heritage, or simply by giving you a hug if you need one on the street. That’s why now you can see them in educational institutions, fairs, markets, or wherever they can provide their help as their mission is to promote harmonious coexistence and the common good.
Zebra mascot teaching kids about recycling. Mascota de cebra enseñando a los niños sobre reciclaje.
The zebra team participates in traditional La Paz fairs such as the multicolor fair on El Prado, held on Sundays, with various stands, one of them for raising awareness about ecology and the care of trees and green areas of the city. With this and other programs, they also participate in schools and colleges.
People and zebras marching with rainbow flags at night. Personas y cebras marchando con banderas arcoíris por la noche.

Every year in June, PRIDE takes place in the center of La Paz city, where the little zebras teach people values such as inclusion and respect for all human beings.

People and zebras dancing together at an event. Personas y cebras bailando juntas en un evento.
At the large massive fairs in the city within the Chuquiago Marka Fairground, the Autonomous Government of La Paz creates large spaces where the zebras can raise awareness among the population on various topics such as waste management and separation of waste for reuse, as well as fostering values of unity and solidarity among the population with a variety of games or puppets to create a more harmonious coexistence in the city.

These friendly little zebras will be happy for you to photograph them, enjoy their choreographies, and laugh at their antics, let them surprise you! Being a symbol of La Paz, meeting the Zebras directly connects you with the cultural essence of the city.

If you are staying at Hotel Casa Fusión, don’t miss the chance to meet the Zebras! Head to El Prado or Av. Camacho, two of the most famous spots where you will see these young people dressed as zebras working from 8:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday. From the hotel, you can walk about 30 minutes or reach the El Prado station in 20 minutes by cable car (yellow line, then sky blue line). Make sure to arrive during peak hours to see them in full action and experience the dynamics of the city as you will be in the heart of La Paz.

https://www.facebook.com/lascebrasdelapaz?locale=en_US

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Paz_traffic_zebras

Photos from Wikipedia

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