Oruro Carnival, A Reflection Of Intercultural Bolivia

Living the Oruro carnival in Bolivia in the first person is an experience that is difficult to forget. It is a celebration whose origins lie in the mists of time, but which enjoys great vitality. Thus, year after year, it exceeds expectations in terms of its spectacularity and number of visitors. If you want to enjoy a unique carnival, Oruro is your destination.

Where is Oruro

Before starting with the party and the dances of the Oruro carnival we have to locate this place on the map of the geography of Bolivia. This population is found in the Bolivian Andes, at a more than considerable height. It is, neither more nor less, than about 3700 meters above sea level.

So, before traveling there, you have to be forewarned to avoid suffering from altitude sickness too much. However, surely the starting point of this trip is the Bolivian capital of La Paz, located about 3 hours by road. Well, this city may be the ideal place to acclimatize to such geographical conditions.

The history of the Oruro carnival

We also believe it is important to know a little bit about the history of the Oruro carnival before immersing ourselves in its whirlwind of traditions, magic and music. These festivities date back to pre-Inca times, when this place was already a pilgrimage site to which people came to worship their different very ancient deities.

Then came the Inca civilization, which adapted the old rituals to their peculiar beliefs. And something similar would happen later with the settlement of Spanish settlers in the area.

Oruro, folkloric capital of Bolivia

The cultural wealth and traditions of the Bolivian people is enormous. Well, all of it comes together during the Oruro carnival days. Different people from all over the Altiplano and across the country, from the jungle areas to Lake Titicaca, congregate here. And each group shows their customs, their music and, above all, their costumes.

Without a doubt, one of the wonders of this celebration is the music and the dance. Almost 50 types of local dances are happening in the constant parades that run through the city and that reach the sanctuary of the Virgen del Socavón.

Each one of them has different music and rhythms and, above all, a most showy and colorful wardrobe that brings a shocking spectacularity to the Oruro carnival. For all these reasons, the city has become the capital of Bolivian folklore.

A party that is a World Heritage Site

But that is not the only award that has fallen on the Oruro carnival. This wonder has the title of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, awarded by Unesco.

This organization has known how to appreciate all the wealth and history that this unique festival has, which leaves everyone who discovers it for the first time in awe. So much so, that today it is considered one of the most beautiful and fascinating carnivals on the entire planet.

Visit the Oruro carnival

We hope we have encouraged you to experience this special party firsthand. If so, check the calendar for the next celebration, since carnivals do not have a fixed date and range between February and March.

Our advice is that, if you dare to visit the Oruro carnival, prepare your trip in advance and make accommodation reservations in good time. The population on those dates is filled with Bolivians and tourists who end up with all their hotel offer and even with the beds that are offered in private homes.

Once this is known, cheer up. We are convinced that the Oruro carnival will not disappoint you. You will have fun and be amazed by the intercultural wealth that the people of Bolivia treasure.