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Oruro Carnaval 2024

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

Dates: February 9–12, 2024

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

Oruro Carnaval has been proclaimed a masterpiece of the Heritage of Humanity and is a truly outstanding event. The festivities, held around February, in the middle of Bolivian summer, feature a spectacular procession with over 30 thousand costumed dancers and singers walking a 2.5-mi (4 km) long route to celebrate the Virgin of the Candle Mass. Performers reenact the fight between Good and Evil.

The Oruro Carnaval has been happening for around 2 millennia and nowadays reflects both ancient Aymara​ traditions and Christian beliefs. During 4 days, the revelers indulge in merriment and festive delicacies. The highlights include a ceremony dedicated to the Virgen del Socavon, El Tio night, celebrated on a Carnival Friday, the main Parade on Saturday, and Devil's Monday. The last day of the carnival is marked with a huge water battle.

Carnival Parade

The colorful Saturday Parade represents a unique procession, reflecting a mixture of Christian and indigenous motives. The main characters include Archangel San Miguel, Lucifer, a devil woman China Supa, bears, pumas, monkeys, and condors, sacred to the Uru mythology. The famous devil dance, performed during the parade, is all about the battle between good and evil. Overall, the parade features about 25,000 dancers and about 10,000 musicians. 400,000 spectators line the streets to watch the show. The parade starts on Bolívar Street, then passes Plaza 10 de Febrero, La Plata, La Petot, and Civic Avenue.

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin