TINKUS SAN SIMóN

Tinkus San Simón, Honoring Tradition Inspiring Future Generations.

Tinkus San Simón is one of the most recognized folkloric fraternities in Bolivia, founded in the city of Cochabamba twenty-eight years ago. Today, it has expanded internationally with more than 60 branches worldwide. While the majority of its members are students, the fraternity is open to people of all ages who share a passion for culture, tradition, and folkloric expression.

Tinkus is not only a dance that conveys strength, joy, elegance, and vibrant colors, but also a powerful representation of Andean culture and identity. The word Tinku, which means “encounter” in Quechua, refers to a traditional Bolivian ritual that originated as a form of ceremonial combat. During this ritual, men and women from different communities come together, marking the beginning of festivities through dance, music, and symbolic movement.

Tinkus San Simón plays a fundamental role in Bolivia’s most important cultural parades and festivals, including the Carnival of Oruro, the Cochabamba Carnival (Corso de Corsos), Gran Poder, the procession of the Virgin of Urkupiña, the University Parade of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, as well as various international parades and cultural events.

We invite you to join us and learn more about our fraternity by visiting our Facebook page, Tinkus San Simón Rhode Island, or our Instagram profile @tkss_ri.