Man 'smashes his way out of a COFFIN after being buried alive "as a sacrifice to mother earth" when he passed out while drinking at a festival' in Bolivia

  • Victor Hugo Mica Alvarez broke out 50 miles away from where he had passed out
  • He was boozing at the Mother Earth festival in El Alto, Bolivia, the previous night
  • The 30-year-old claims he was used as a 'sullu' sacrifice to the goddess of earth

By Lizzie May For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

A man has told of how he smashed his way out of a coffin after being buried alive by festival goers 'as a sacrifice to mother earth' when he passed out while drinking in Bolivia. 

After passing out the night before following a heavy drinking session at the opening of the Mother Earth Festival in El Alto, Bolivia, on 5 August, Víctor Hugo Mica Alvarez, 30, found himself 50 miles away inside a casket in Achacachi.

The Mother Earth Festival sees people giving thanks to Pachamama, the goddess of earth and fertility, where they give offerings, also known as a 'sullu', to the planet.

Indigenous Bolivians believe the goddess 'opens her mouth' for offerings in August, and many will give anything from live animals to sheep foetuses, as well as cocoa leaves and sweets.

Some say ancient human sacrifices and offerings are still carried out in secret. 

Alvarez believes that other party-goers had buried him alive as a 'sullu', sacrificing him to mother earth.

Víctor Hugo Mica Alvarez, 30, has told of how he smashed his way out of a coffin after being buried alive by festival goers 'as a sacrifice to mother earth' when he passed out while drinking in Bolivia (pictured being interviewed by local press)

Víctor Hugo Mica Alvarez, 30, has told of how he smashed his way out of a coffin after being buried alive by festival goers 'as a sacrifice to mother earth' when he passed out while drinking in Bolivia (pictured being interviewed by local press)

After passing out the night before following a heavy drinking session at the opening of the Mother Earth Festival in El Alto, Bolivia, on 5 August, Alvarez found himself 50 miles away inside a casket in Achacachi. He believes he was offered as a sacrifice to mother earth by other festival goers

After passing out the night before following a heavy drinking session at the opening of the Mother Earth Festival in El Alto, Bolivia, on 5 August, Alvarez found himself 50 miles away inside a casket in Achacachi. He believes he was offered as a sacrifice to mother earth by other festival goers

The 30-year-old told local Bolivian news outlet Página Siete: 'Last night was the pre-entry [of the festival], we went dancing. And afterwards I don't remember.

'The only thing I remember is that I thought I was in my bed, I wanted to get up to go urinate and I couldn't move.

'When I pushed the coffin, I was able to break a glass that it had and that way I was able to get out.'

The Mother Earth Festival sees people giving thanks to Pachamama, the goddess of earth and fertility, where they give offerings, also known as a 'sullu', to the planet. Pictured in May, the festival celebrations and ceremonies continue throughout the year

The Mother Earth Festival sees people giving thanks to Pachamama, the goddess of earth and fertility, where they give offerings, also known as a 'sullu', to the planet. Pictured in May, the festival celebrations and ceremonies continue throughout the year

Indigenous Bolivians believe the goddess 'opens her mouth' for offerings in August, and many will give anything from live animals to sheep foetuses, as well as cocoa leaves and sweets - but Some say ancient human sacrifices and offerings are still carried out in secret. Pictured, the festival in May earlier this year

Indigenous Bolivians believe the goddess 'opens her mouth' for offerings in August, and many will give anything from live animals to sheep foetuses, as well as cocoa leaves and sweets - but Some say ancient human sacrifices and offerings are still carried out in secret. Pictured, the festival in May earlier this year

'They wanted to use me as a sullu.'

But to add insult to injury, when Alvarez reported his burial to police they refused to believe him saying he was too drunk.

The offerings to Pachamama continue all year round, with many indigenous people taking part in folk dances and ritual ceremonies.

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