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 2027?
The Carnival of Oruro 2027 will take place between February 6th and February 7th, 2027. The Great Pilgrimage to the Socavón will be on Saturday, February 6th and the Entry of the Corso on Sunday, February 7th. 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 2027
The 2027 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 2027
November – December 2026
Pre-Carnival Rehearsals & Crafting
Fraternities begin weekly rehearsals (*veladas*). Master artisans craft custom masks, embroidery, and brass instruments in Oruro workshops.
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Pre-Carnival
Festival de Bandas (Band Festival)
Over 5,000 brass musicians dressed in uniform assemble in Plaza Civica to perform national anthems and traditional folklore rhythms in unison.
Sunday, January 31, 2027
Final Rehearsal
Último Convite (The Last Invitation)
The final mandatory dress rehearsal where all 48+ fraternities parade along the complete 4km route without costumes to confirm final placement.
Thursday, February 4, 2027
Anata Andina
Indigenous rural communities from across Oruro department parade through the city celebrating agricultural abundance, native instruments (*tarkas*, *moseños*), and *Pachamama* rituals.
Friday, February 5, 2027
Convite del Tío & Ch'alla de las Minas
Traditional mining fraternities descend into Pie de Gallo shafts to perform sacred offerings (*ch'alla*) of alcohol, coca, and cigarettes to *El Tío* asking for protection.
Main Parade Day
Highlight Event
Saturday, February 6, 2027
Sábado de Peregrinación (Great Pilgrimage)
The central spectacle of the carnival. Starting at 6:00 AM, over 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians parade non-stop for 20+ hours along the 4km route, finishing on their knees inside the Sanctuary of Socavón.
Sunday, February 7, 2027
Day 2 Parade
Domingo de Carnaval / Entrada del Corso
A joyful continuation of the parade where dancers perform without religious constraints, celebrating with music, foam (*espuma*), and vibrant crowd interactions.
Monday, February 8, 2027
Closing Rituals
Lunes del Diablo y del Moreno
Special masses, devil plays (*relatos*), and farewell gatherings hosted by individual fraternities at the Sanctuary plaza.
Tuesday, February 9, 2027
Blessing Day
Martes de Ch'alla
Traditional Bolivian day of blessing homes, vehicles, and businesses with alcohol, flowers, and confetti for good fortune in the coming year.
