Oruro Carnival, Carnival in Oruro, Bolivia
Carnaval de Oruro is a major celebration in the city that fills the streets with color and music. The main parade, called La Entrada, is an extended procession where elaborately costumed dancers representing different regional groups perform various traditional dances that tell stories through movement.
The celebration has roots in rituals older than 2,000 years that were originally dedicated to Pachamama, the earth goddess. When Spanish colonizers arrived, Catholic beliefs merged with these ancient practices, creating the form we see today where both traditions coexist.
The celebration involves a pilgrimage to the Socavón Sanctuary where people pray to the Virgin of Socavón and express gratitude to her. The fusion of ancient traditions with Catholic practices shapes how the event looks and feels, creating something that runs deep into the local community's identity.
The main parade lasts many hours, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water matters if you plan to stay for the whole event. Good viewing spots fill up early in the day, so arriving beforehand to find a good location along the route is worth the effort.
The most famous dance here is the Diablada, where performers wear elaborate devil costumes with striking masks. The performance tells a religious story about the struggle between good and evil, ending with the archangel Michael's victory.
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