Best time to go to Bolivia

Oruro Carnaval 2024

Symbolic costumed performances and water fighting traditions that go back over 2,000 years

Oruro Carnaval
Oruro Carnaval
Oruro Carnaval
Oruro Carnaval
Oruro Carnaval
Oruro Carnaval

This festival has been proclaimed a masterpiece of the Heritage of Humanity and is a truly outstanding event. The spectacle is performed by over 30 thousand costumed dancers and singers over a 4 km-long demonstration designed to celebrate the Virgin of the Candle Mass. Performers reenact the fight between Good and Evil.

During 4 days the revellers indulge in spirits and festive delicacies, and the culmination of the merriment takes place on the last day with a huge water battle. The Oruro Carnaval has been happening for around 2 millennia, and nowadays reflects both ancient Aymara​ traditions and Christian beliefs. It is held in the middle of Bolivian summer, around February.

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin