Carnaval In Bolivia: Safe Or Not?

The Carnaval de Oruro is a famous festival in Bolivia that attracts more than 400,000 people annually. The event is held in a small mining town in the mountains of western Bolivia, which sees its population quadruple during the festivities. The carnival is a mix of Catholic and indigenous traditions, with Christian icons like the Virgin Mary and the Devil combined with Andean gods like Pachamama and Tio Supay. While the event is considered safe, it is important to take general safety precautions when attending crowded festivals, such as leaving valuables at home and drinking in moderation.

Crime and safety precautions

Oruro Carnival is Bolivia's most sought-after tourist attraction, drawing crowds of up to 400,000 people annually. As with any major festival, petty crime does occur, so it is recommended to take some basic safety precautions. Here are some tips to help keep you safe during your visit to the Oruro Carnival:

• Leave valuables at home or in a safe place, such as a hotel safe. Do not carry any valuables or important documents on your person, as they may get wet, destroyed, or stolen.
• Be mindful of your belongings and personal items at all times, especially in crowded areas.
• Use common sense and be careful. Fights and muggings can occur, especially in areas where people are drinking heavily.
• If you plan to take pictures, be cautious to avoid getting your camera wet.
• Be aware of drinking too much alcohol. Traditional drinks like chicha are very strong and can cause terrible hangovers.
• Be aware of water fights and water balloons, which are a common part of the carnival. You may want to bring a waterproof bag or case for your belongings.
• Take precautions with food and drinks. The local cuisine tends to be spicy and heavily seasoned, so it is recommended to have some tummy medicine or a similar remedy.
• Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude, especially if you plan to participate in the dancing and drinking. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Consider booking accommodation in advance, as rooms fill up quickly and prices increase significantly during the carnival.
• If you are travelling to Oruro by bus or train, be cautious of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
• Respect local customs and traditions, and follow any instructions or guidelines provided by local authorities or event organizers.

By following these precautions, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Oruro Carnival in Bolivia.

Alcohol consumption and safety

Alcohol consumption is a significant aspect of the Carnaval celebrations in Bolivia, with drinking being an integral part of the festivities. The celebrations involve up to 20 hours of continuous partying, drinking, and dancing. While alcohol is freely available and consumed, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Overindulgence in alcohol can impair judgement and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and making individuals more vulnerable to theft or other crimes. It is always advisable to drink in moderation and to stay with a group of trusted companions.

Secondly, it is worth noting that some traditional Bolivian drinks can be very strong and may have higher alcohol content than what individuals are typically accustomed to. Chicha, for example, is a traditional drink made from corn that can have an alcohol content ranging from 2% to 12%, depending on how long it has been fermented. Similarly, Casquito, a mix of pure alcohol and soft drinks, is widely consumed but can be dangerous due to its high alcohol content. It is important to pace yourself and be mindful of the effects of these drinks.

Additionally, it is recommended to be cautious when consuming homemade or unregulated alcoholic beverages. Some drinks, such as balde, are made by mixing spirits with other liquids, and the alcohol content may not always be accurately measured or controlled. This can lead to a higher risk of intoxication or adverse reactions. It is generally safer to consume drinks from reputable sources and established brands.

Furthermore, it is important to stay hydrated, especially when consuming alcohol in the high altitudes of cities like Oruro, which is located 3700 meters above sea level. Drinking plenty of water can help counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol and also aid in acclimatization to the altitude.

Lastly, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your drinks at all times. Carnaval celebrations, like any large gathering, can be targeted by thieves or unscrupulous individuals looking to take advantage of intoxicated individuals. Keep your valuables secure and be vigilant to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Accommodation options

Oruro is a small town, and accommodation options are limited. It is highly recommended to book your accommodation months, if not a year, in advance. During the carnival, hotel occupancy reaches 100%, and prices are a lot higher than usual. You may also have to share a room. If you are unable to find a hotel room, it is common practice to rent a room from one of the local families, although this will require you to speak a bit of Spanish.

• Alojamiento Copacabana: A basic lodging option located in front of the train station on Velasco Galvarro Street.
• Bernal Hotel: Strategically located across from the Bus Terminal of Oruro at Brasil St. No 701, just 4 blocks from the parade route.
• Eden Hotel: A luxurious hotel located just in front of the main square on the corner of Bolivar St. and Presidente Montes, which is part of the parade route.
• Galaxia Hotel: A 3-star hotel located on Pagador Street, a few steps away from the parade route.
• Graciela Hostel: A new lodging option with an excellent price-quality relation and friendly staff. It is located just a few steps from the parade and four blocks from the bus terminal.
• Gran Hotel Bolivia: Offers comfortable accommodation with guestrooms featuring shared or private bathrooms.
• Houston Hotel: A 3-star hotel offering elegant and comfortable facilities, with well-lit and spacious guestrooms.
• Monarca Hotel: A well-located star hotel that allows guests to easily return to their rooms for rest or to change clothes during the parade.
• Repostero Hotel: Located just one block away from the parade and two and a half blocks from the train station.
• Residencial Gran Boston: Located 2 blocks away from the parade and 4 blocks away from Campero Market.
• Residencial Gran Florida: Located on 6 de Agosto Ave. on the wide parade route. Close to the spot where national and international channels transmit the parade.
• SM Palace Hotel: Located 1 block away from the parade, with well-lit, comfortable, and carpeted guestrooms.
• Sucre Hotel: A 3-star hotel located within walking distance of the main square, the Cathedral, restaurants, shopping, and museums.
• Sumaj Wasi Hotel: Has a fantastic location on the south-east side of the bus terminal, just a few blocks from the parade.
• Terminal Hotel: Located inside the bus terminal, just three blocks away from the parade route.
• Virgen del Socavon Hotel: The perfect place to admire the carnival as the dancers perform their best choreographies near the hotel, which guests can watch from the terraces.

Transport to and from the festival

The Carnival of Oruro is a religious and cultural festival held in Oruro, Bolivia. It is one of the most famous festivals in South America, attracting up to 400,000 visitors each year. The festival is held in a remote mining town in the arid Altiplano region of Bolivia, which can make transportation to and from the festival a little tricky.

The most common way to travel in Bolivia is by bus. Buses run frequently and are generally reliable, however, there are some safety concerns. Accidents are frequent, and your safety depends more on the driver than the company. International buses are usually comfortable and safe, but intercity buses, particularly those departing from Villa Fátima and the General Cemetery in La Paz, are not of the best quality. It is worth noting that a law was passed in 2010 to penalize bus companies in the case of accidents caused by drunk drivers.

If you are travelling to Oruro from La Paz, you can take a bus every hour. However, if you are travelling from outside Bolivia, flying is the best option to cover large distances in a short amount of time. Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) is Bolivia's national airline, offering flights to a growing number of Bolivian and international destinations. Internal flights cost between $50 and $100 USD for a one-way ticket.

For those who want a more luxurious and stress-free travel experience, there is the option of a hop-on, hop-off bus pass with a company like Bolivia Hop. Bolivia Hop offers safe and flexible transport around Bolivia and Peru, with the added benefit of local cultural insights.

Once you arrive in Oruro, getting around the city is easy. The carnival festivities are all within walking distance, and the city is small enough to navigate on foot.

The history of the festival

The Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia, is a festival with a long history, dating back to pre-Columbian times. The town of Oruro, located in the mountains of western Bolivia, was once a pre-Columbian ceremonial site for the Indigenous Uru people and later became an important mining area.

The Uru people, who considered Oruro a sacred site, would travel long distances to perform their rituals, especially for the principal Ito festival. When the Spanish resettled the area in 1606, they banned these indigenous ceremonies in the 17th century. However, the Uru people adapted their traditions, incorporating Christian iconography and religious dimensions. The Andean gods were concealed behind Christian icons, and the Andean divinities became saints. The Ito festival was transformed into a Christian ritual, celebrated on Candlemas (2 February), and the traditional llama llama or diablada dance in worship of the Uru god Tiw became the main attraction at the Carnival of Oruro.

The Carnival of Oruro is a unique blend of Catholic and pre-Columbian customs, reflecting religious syncretism. The Christian icons of the Catholic Virgin and the devil coexist with the indigenous cults of Pachamama (Madre Tierra) and Tío, an underworld deity or "the Uncle". Tío de la Mina, a malevolent character considered the uncle of the mountains, is the most famous character of the Oruro carnival, turning into the Devil during the festivities.

The carnival is a representation of the struggle between good and evil, with the Archangel Michael leading an army of angels against Lucifer and his wife. The Diablada, or "Dance of the Devils," is a highlight of the carnival, with dancers wearing elaborate, horned, technicolour masks. The festival also includes other traditional Bolivian dances such as "la Morenada" and "los Tinkus."

The Carnival of Oruro has gained international recognition, with UNESCO inscribing it on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 (originally proclaimed in 2001). The carnival attracts over a million visitors each year and is known for its colourful costumes, music, and dances, with thousands of participants celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions