Carnival in Oruro

TOUR TO THE CARNIVAL IN ORURO (FULL DAY)
THE BIGGEST EXPRESSION OF FOLKLORE

THE CELEBRATION OF THE VIRGIN OF SOCAVÓN

The carnival in Oruro is a grand popular celebration that is celebrated every year in the city of Oruro and is one of the biggest manifestations of popular and traditional Andean cultural art in South America; it has been declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The city of Oruro is considered the folkloric capital in Bolivia and the celebration of the carnival centers on the signaled tradition that, in 1789, showed miraculous appreciation for the image of the virgin in the socavón – the richest silver mine in Oruro; the celebration has since then focused on the cult of the Virgin of the Socavón (also called the Virgin of the Candelaría). The celebration puts forth that a thief who robbed for the poor by the name of “Chiru Chiru” was hurt by a miner during a failed robbery – and, when he died, his soul rose up and saw the beautiful image of the Virgin Mary who now goes by the name of Virgin of the Socavón.

During the celebration, more than 40,000 dancers participate as well as 10,000 musicians – and, the whole celebration lasts approximately 20 hours. The main typical dance found in the celebration is a dance called diablada; however, there are other dances as well – like: caporales, the morenada, suri-sicuris, the llamerada, the kullawada, waca-waca, pujllay, tinku, and others.
The first day of the carnival (the main day of the carnival) is a day in which everyone can appreciate the wonderful colors of the festivity celebrated in honor of the Virgin and also participate in and enjoy every moment; the main day encompasses music of the different dances – including those dances like the diablada, morenada, tobas, llamerada, pujllay, amongst others. In addition to the dances and music, there is also the observation of the different types of dress which are especially designed by expert Bolivian embroiderers; these dresses encompass a diversity of colors and nuances that are unique to every region.
The best representation of the carnival celebration is the dance diablada – a dance representing the battle between good and evil; the devil is the myth born by the “Tio” of the miners who gives both good and bad luck – and, in opposition to the devil, we find the Catholic religion of the Virgin of Socavón who is appreciated in the sinkholes of Oruro. The most interesting part of the carnival resides in the lavish entering of the carnival (Saturday) which is in honor of the Virgin.

04:00 AM – We will personally pick you up from your hotel/hostal in the center of the city of La Paz in order to start our trip via an asphalted highway to the city of Oruro which is located at 230 kilometers from the city of La Paz (approximately a 3.5-hour trip. During the trip, we will have breakfast.
07:30 AM – We will arrive to Oruro (approximate arrival) and then find accommodation in the seats of the Folkloric Avenue to have the opportunity to appreciate the wonderful and colorful festivity, as well as enjoy every one of the different fraternities with their beautiful dresses of diverse colors.
The carnival in Oruro is famous throughout the world and was declared the Master Work of the Spoken and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO; this majestic folkloric celebration contains a grand celebration of 62 folkloric groups which maintain their culture and traditions. We will be able to enjoy their choreography and distinct musical compositions. During the middle of the day, we will have lunch – and then, in the afternoon, we will continue to enjoy every one of the different typical dances that are part of the carnival.
BETWEEN 18:00-19:00 PM – We will descend the bleachers to take transportation to the city of La Paz.
23:00 PM – Approximate arrival to the city of La Paz (Sagarnaga Street).
Included: Shared touristic transport, tour guide, breakfast and lunch, drinks + rain coats.
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