The larges party in the country by far. The country becomes a party zone, especially in Oruro, Tarija, La Paz and Santa Cruz, with parades and street parties. Parades include local dances and costumes.
Many are the adjectives for the Carnival in Bolivia. Grand, majestic, magnificent, wonderful, etc. those are some of the adjectives with which this event is described. It combines the ancient customs of each region, department, city and rural community in the country, with Catholic traditions brought over the colony.
The diversity of options varies according to geography and cultures of each region. No matter where you are during the Carnaval you will have a blast for sure. The Carnaval in Bolivia is a synonym for good times and party, all mixed with music and tradition.
Oruro Carnaval
Declared by UNESCO as an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, "the lavish Carnaval in Oruro" features a vast wealth Cultural Heritage, which combines dance and music with the devotion to Our Lady of Socavón.
This expression represents the greatest folkloric shows in Bolivia, with dances such as the Devils, Moreno, Caporales, Tinkus, Llamerada, Sicuris, Incas, Antawaras, Tobas, Wacas Waca, Kullawadas, Pujllay and others, whose members, besides orureños, come from all regions of the country, as well as from abroad, to express through dance, their faith and devotion.
The first trial or "Convite", known as "The Promise" to the Virgin begins in early November and serves to open the carnival and make a commitment to dance three years consecutively. This pledge is endorsed on the last "Convite", which takes place a week before Carnival Sunday.
The “Entrada de Carnaval” (Carnival Parade) takes place on Saturday 21st, it’s the highlight of the Oruro Carnaval, when dancers wearing luxurious costumes will parade a long the city and spectacle of more than 50 fraternity with more than 500 participants each accompanied by large musical bands. The fiesta runs until the early hours of Sunday. That day is "The Dawn" or greeting to the Virgin by the dancers who, enlivened by bands and fraternities gathered at the Socavón, showing the skill and Bolivian musical richness.
At these dates Oruro receives over 500,000 tourists, between local and foreign. This event generates around $ 8 million dollars in business, for the four days of Carnaval. The Carnival of Oruro is a magnificent demonstration of pagan costumes and religious devotion. It is an amazing demonstration of folk culture, involving young and old people; without distinction of social classes or race.
Santa Cruz Carnaval
It reflects the joyous spirit of the Santa Cruz habitants. It Begins one month before the Carnaval with the "pre-carnavaleras" in which all the groups (Comparsas) elect their Queen. A week before the carnival takes place in “mini-corso”, with the proclamation of the Carnaval Queen; witch is selected among the Comparsas Queens.
On Carnaval Saturday, from evening until dawn of Sunday of the carnival takes place in the spectacular “Corso” (Carnival Parade) with the Comparsas dancing in the streets about 300 of them. They dance through the city streets to the beat of drum bands. During the parade, expectators enjoy the luxury and colorful of the Comparsas costumes, impressive floats carrying the Comparsa queens.
The show reaches its pinnacle when the Carnaval Queen enters the main stage. The party continues on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, days in which people dance and play in downtown streets; playing with water, foam and paint.
When? This year it starts on Friday February 20 and last till March 1st. This event normally takes place during February or March (It's a Movable celebration conciding with the beggining of Lent on the Catholic Calendar)
Constitutional Referedum
On January 25, a Constitutional Referendum will take place in Bolivia, for the first time in the history of the country the citizens will be asked, if they approve or reject a new Constitution. (So far, Bolivia has had 16 previous Constitutions).
The National Electoral College orders that, 48 hours before the event a "dry Law" is set in place so no alcohol will sold during the days prior to the Referendum.
In the day of the Referendum, airports, ports, road and streets will be closed to traffic. Once the electoral event has concluded activities will go back to normal. Police, the Army, Local and National Authorities oversee the event and prevent any burst of violence or public disorder. If you are in the country or planning to arrive during this days you should plan accordingly.
The National Electoral College orders that, 48 hours before the event a "dry Law" is set in place so no alcohol will sold during the days prior to the Referendum.
In the day of the Referendum, airports, ports, road and streets will be closed to traffic. Once the electoral event has concluded activities will go back to normal. Police, the Army, Local and National Authorities oversee the event and prevent any burst of violence or public disorder. If you are in the country or planning to arrive during this days you should plan accordingly.
All Saints Day in Bolivia
It is religious holyday celebrated across the country, commemorates the memory of those who passed away. The tradition also known as “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the dead) is a mix of catholic and popular tradition, in which family and friends remember those who passed away. On this day the tradition says, that the souls of the deceased visit the living, and to welcome them families prepare their departed favorite meals and other treats also they tidy up the graves of their relatives ahead of All Saints Day accross the country.
Family and friends get together to remember and cherish the memory of those who left; during the celebration prayers are said for the souls of the departed and to ask god for their peaceful rest.
Modern life has changed this tradition a little bit and some people take advantage of the spring weather and the holyday to do some tourism; touristic sites like Coroico or Uyuni are normally at full capacity on this dates.
Family and friends get together to remember and cherish the memory of those who left; during the celebration prayers are said for the souls of the departed and to ask god for their peaceful rest.
Modern life has changed this tradition a little bit and some people take advantage of the spring weather and the holyday to do some tourism; touristic sites like Coroico or Uyuni are normally at full capacity on this dates.
Peace and tranquility are returning to Bolivia
Tensions and violence have been set aside, normal life has returned to Bolivia and negotiations between the opposing sides have at least for know stopped the violence. American Airlines and other international carriers are flying again regularly and airports are working with normality.
Still, the current situation of normality can change rapidly; points of possible violence are located on the eastern side of the country, mainly around Santa Cruz and Beni. Travelers should be aware of this and stay current with media coverage of local events.
Still, the current situation of normality can change rapidly; points of possible violence are located on the eastern side of the country, mainly around Santa Cruz and Beni. Travelers should be aware of this and stay current with media coverage of local events.
Traveler Warning: Violence in Santa Cruz, Tarija & Sucre
Authorities of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, Tarija and Sucre are promoters of the violence, the opposition to the democratic government of Evo Morales have decided today, to increase the violence on the above mentioned departments indefinitely. Police recommends travelers to avoid, if possible, going through these regions, due to the violence and radicalism of the enforcers of the measure. More updates soon.
Travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between the promoters of this acts, security forces, demonstrators and bystanders, and escalate into violence. Travelers are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety. Travelers should stay current with media coverage of local events.In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers. Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor.The police will be on alert for potential civil unrest. Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal police patrols. As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use ruse or diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and theft are the most common street crimes during such periods. Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other portable valuables.
Travelers are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational between the promoters of this acts, security forces, demonstrators and bystanders, and escalate into violence. Travelers are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protests. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a large gathering, it is recommended you leave the area immediately for your own safety. Travelers should stay current with media coverage of local events.In addition to civil unrest in cities, it is not uncommon for roads between cities to be blocked by protesters or marchers. Please note that the police have limited capabilities outside major cities and communication is poor.The police will be on alert for potential civil unrest. Because the police will be involved in addressing potential civil unrest, there will be minimal police patrols. As a result, you can expect criminals to take advantage of large crowds and use ruse or diversionary tactics to prey on potential street victims. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and theft are the most common street crimes during such periods. Everyone is advised to limit their cash on hand, unnecessary credit cards, jewelry, and other portable valuables.
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