The Oruro Carnival is a cultural and religious celebration with shades of native influence. In 2001 the Oruro Carnival was declared by the UNESCO part of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity".
Program and route of the Oruro Carnival 2020, Oruro Carnival, Bolivia
Program and route of the Oruro Carnival 2020, Oruro Carnival, Bolivia
Program and route of the Oruro Carnival 2020, Oruro Carnival, Bolivia

Oruro Carnival 2020

The Oruro Carnival is one of the most important carnival celebrations in the world. It gathers thousands of people and a wonderful mixture of Andean and folk traditions.

This Carnival is a mixture of Spanish and indigenous religious traditions and during the carnival the Virgin of the Socavón is venerated.

When is the Oruro Carnival 2020?

The Carnival of Oruro 2020 will take place between February 21st and February 24th, 2020. The days 21, 22, 23 and 24 of February are the most important of the celebration and the most visited. The Great Pilgrimage to the Socavón will be on Saturday, February 22nd and the Entry of the Corso on Sunday, February 23rd. A few weeks before the Carnival, the traditional celebrations called "Convites" begin.

On Friday, in the villages and in the mines, the traditional and famous "Convite al Tío" and the celebration of the "Challa" are held.

Accommodation during the Oruro Carnival

During the carnival celebrations, the otherwise uninteresting city of Oruro receives tens of thousands of visitors. For this reason, it is highly recommended to reserve the accommodation well in advance. During the days of the carnival, hotel occupancy reaches 100%. It is also possible to sleep in rooms rented by local families. The prices of any accomodation during the carnival is a lot higher than during the rest of the year.

Route of the Carnival of Oruro 2020

The 2020 Carnival procession in Oruro will start on Bolívar Street, maintaining the route of the previous years: Pagador Street, Aroma until August 6, Bolívar Street and then will continue to La Plata, Adolfo Mier and Presidente Montes, Bolívar to La Petot, Adolfo Mier, Civic Avenue "Sanjinés Vincentti", Junín and finally culminating at the Socavón Sanctuary.

The Oruro Carnival Parade

The Carnival parade takes place on the streets of Oruro and passes through the Plaza 10 de Febrero square. At the different sectors there are stands where you can get a seat after paying a fee. The carnival parade circuit is more than 40 blocks in length.

Dozens of groups with thousands of dancers, musicians and artists parade to the rhythm of typical dances such as: the Diablada, the Morenada, Caporales, the Suri Sicuris and the Waka Waka, among others. The parade is broadcast throughout the country on television.

Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia

The Carnival ends with a massive final procession where thousands of dancers and musicians participate for more than 15 hours.

Oruro Carnival Program 2020

Festival of Bands

Date: Saturday, February 15th, 2020
Place: City of Oruro

Festival of Bands, from 9:00 a.m. in the Civic Plaza, near the Santuario del Socavón.

Last "Convite"

Date: Sunday, February 16th, 2020
Place: Departure Point (Potosí Esq. Aroma) Hrs .: 06:30 a.m.

The last "Convite" prior to the Majestic entrance of the Oruro Carnival, is the last rehearsal before the lavish entrance of the Carnival in which the 48 folk dance groups will make their way through the streets of the city of Oruro while dancing to the rhythm of the traditional bands and showing off their choreography.

Indigenous Entrance Anata Andina 2020

Date: Thursday, February 20th, 2020
Place: On the route of the Carnival from hrs. 8:30 a.m.

The Anata Andina is the celebration of the indigenous peasant to celebrate the abundance of agricultural production that the "Pachamama" - Mother Earth - has given him. This celebration belongs to the time of the rain (jallupacha) when the crops have flourished. This is why the farmers carry with them loads of flowers and their produce.

The Anata Andina takes place two days before the magnificent Carnival of Oruro, with the participation of hundreds of "comparsas". The participants arrive to the city of Oruro from the provinces of the Department.

During the Anata Andino the dancers demonstrate their native music, dance and unique clothing. This event exhibits the indigenous and original Bolivian cultures that live in the country.

"Convite del Tío (Uncle)" - Challa

Date: Friday, February 21st, 2020 (according to Role) Place: City of Oruro

Friday is traditionally dedicated to the "Convite del Tío" and the traditional "Challa" of the mining sites in the Mines of San Jose. In the evening there is traditional vigil on the carnival route until dawn with the participation of folk groups in different parts. At nightfall a Serenade will be held at the Virgen del Socavón in the Plaza Principal 10 de Febrero with the performance of folkloric groups, bands and ensembles.

Pilgrimage to the Socavón Sanctuary (Central Day of the Oruro Carnival)

Date: Saturday, February 22nd, 2020
Place: Potosí Esq. Aroma a Hrs .: 06:30 a.m.

Start of Entry Hrs .: 07:00 a.m.

The Carnival of Oruro is famous worldwide and was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is majestic folkloric parade with the participation of the 48 Folkloric Ensembles wearing the most colorful costumes in a display of culture, heritage and tradition displaying the most incredible choreography and music.

Carnival Sunday - the Corso del Carnaval de Oruro 2020

Date: Sunday, February 23rd, 2020
Place: Potosí corner Aroma to Hrs .: 06:30 a.m.

Carnival Sunday is the traditional dawn celebration in the vicinity of the Socavón Sanctuary, with the participation of the Oruro carnival bands.

Day of the Devil and Moreno

Date: Monday, February 24th, 2020 Farewell to the Dancers before the Virgencita del Socavón
Place: Socavón Sanctuary

On this day, masses are offered by the different folkloric groups, and at different locations in the city of Oruro there are dance demonstrations by the different groups of dancers. Later, social receptions will be held at the different venues.

Farewell of the Carnival of Oruro 2020 - Tale of the most representative dances of the Oruro Carnival.

Tuesday, February 5th: Traditional "challa" through the neighborhoods of Oruro.

Sunday 10th of February: Children's Corso.