La Morenada - Oruro Carnival Dance
Oruro Carnival Dance

La Morenada - Oruro Carnival Dance

The Morenada dance mocks white men, who are depicted leading imported African slaves. Some highly embroidered and colorful costumes imitate pre-Columbian dresses.

Updated: July 4, 2026

The Morenada dance mocks white men, who are depicted leading imported African slaves.

Some highly embroidered and colorful costumes imitate pre-Columbian dresses. It is also one of the most popular highland dances, performed also during the Oruro Carnival.

Morenada Dance at the Oruro Carnival Morenada Dance at the Oruro Carnival

La Morenada was inspired by the sufferings of the African slaves brought to Bolivia in order to work in the Silver Mines of Potosi. The enormous tongue of the dark masks is meant to represent the physical state of these mine workers and the rattling of the "Matracas" is frequently associated with the sound of the slave chains.

Morenada Dance at the Oruro Carnival

Morenada Dance at the Oruro Carnival

Explore the full choreography, costume symbolism, and parade schedule for this and 18 other traditional festival dances at OruroCarnival.com Traditional Dances.

Tours Including This Destination

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Premium La Paz - Oruro Carnival Parade 2027 - La Paz Tour
1 Day
Oruro
Oruro

Premium La Paz - Oruro Carnival Parade 2027 - La Paz Tour

Visit the Oruro Carnival Parade 202, a cultural and religious celebration with shades of native influence, with this premium tour from La Paz.

La Paz - Oruro Carnival Parade 2027 – La Paz
1 Day
Oruro
Oruro

La Paz - Oruro Carnival Parade 2027 – La Paz

The Oruro Carnival is a cultural and religious celebration with hints of native influence. In 2001 the Oruro Carnival was declared by the UNESCO part of the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'.

Nearby Places & Attractions

Lake Poopo
Attraction

Lake Poopo

Lake Poopo is located at 65 kilometers from Oruro, on the route that leads to the neighboring department of Potosi. The biggest attraction is the island of Panza, an ideal place for hunting and fishing.

Chullpares bridge
Attraction

Chullpares bridge

From Chullpares bridge, built in the colonial time, the beauty of the highlands can be appreciated. The pre-hispanic necropolis of Chusaqueri, with its stone and mud funeral monuments, is located in its vicinities.

San Jose mine
Attraction

San Jose mine

The silver, lead and tin that were extracted of their tunnels were very important for the economy of the country. The mine, located at 5 kilometers from downtown, began to be exploited two centuries ago.

Yarvicoya Church
Attraction

Yarvicoya Church

The Yarvicoya Church is another remarkable example of the halfbreed Baroque art. It is located a few kilometers from Oruro. The church was declared a national monument.

San Miguel de la Rancheria Church
Attraction

San Miguel de la Rancheria Church

San Miguel de la Rancheria is one of the oldest churches in the city. It keeps paintings and sculptures of enormous sacred value. One of these pieces, which has the image of Saint Michael Archangel, is attributed to Don Francisco de Medrano who had financed its construction.

Lighthouse of Conchupata
Attraction

Lighthouse of Conchupata

One can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Oruro from the national monument called Lighthouse of Conchupata, where the current national emblem was hoisted for the first time on November 7th, 1851, during the government of Manuel Isidoro Belzu. Conchupata (previously called Corrralpata) is loca...

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