Carnival Safety In Bolivia: Is It Safe To Celebrate?

The Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia, is a famous festival that attracts over 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 pre-Columbian customs, with Christian icons of the Virgin and the Devil alongside pagan indigenous cults of Pachamama and Tío. While the carnival is a colourful and vibrant event, it is important to be cautious and vigilant, especially when it comes to personal safety and consumption of local food and drinks.

Crime and safety precautions

The Carnival of Oruro is a very popular event, attracting over 400,000 visitors each year. As such, it is recommended to take standard safety precautions, such as leaving valuables at home and drinking in moderation.

Oruro is a small city that becomes extremely crowded during the Carnival. As a result, accommodation is limited and expensive, and it is recommended to book well in advance. Many private homes also rent out rooms, but these are likely to be basic and crowded.

The Carnival involves a lot of drinking and partying, and while this does not usually pose a problem, it is worth being cautious. There are reports of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, so it is important to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.

The Carnival also involves water fights, with water balloons and water guns being used to target strangers. While this is all in good fun, it can result in you and your belongings getting very wet, so it is advisable to take precautions to protect your belongings, especially any electronic devices or cameras.

In terms of getting to and from the Carnival, it is recommended to use a reputable taxi service or a designated driver. Walking alone at night, especially if you are visibly intoxicated, can make you more vulnerable to crime.

Overall, by taking standard safety precautions and being vigilant, you can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime during the Carnival of Oruro.

Alcohol consumption and safety

Alcohol Availability

Bolivians consume a lot of alcohol during Carnival. Beer and strong spirits, such as the traditional "chicha", are widely available and consumed. Alcohol is sold at stalls, by people walking around with coolers, and in restaurants and bars. The cheap prices may encourage overconsumption, and drunk individuals are common.

Safety Considerations

The Carnival can be intense and chaotic, with large crowds, water fights, and people grabbing and pushing each other. While this is all part of the fun for many, it is important to be vigilant about your safety, especially if you are consuming alcohol. Here are some tips:

• Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to theft or assault. Leave your valuables at home, and keep a close eye on your belongings.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of accidental injury, especially during water fights, parades, and other frenzied activities. Stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid risky behaviours.
• If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and be mindful of how alcohol affects your body and behaviour.
• Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers, and avoid drinking from open containers or community bowls. Spiking is a potential risk in crowded events.
• Travel with a buddy. Look out for each other, and stick together when moving through the crowds.
• Know your limits, and don't feel pressured to drink more than you are comfortable with. It is okay to say no.

Accommodation

If you plan to drink alcohol, it is essential to have safe accommodation booked in advance. Hotels fill up quickly, and prices increase significantly during the Carnival. You may need to book months in advance, or even a year, to secure a room. Alternatively, you may have to share a room in a private home with many others. Ensure you have a safe and comfortable place to rest and recover after a long day (and night) of celebrations.

In conclusion, while the Bolivian Carnival is a unique and exciting experience, it is important to approach alcohol consumption with caution. By being mindful of the risks and taking some simple safety precautions, you can help ensure that your Carnival experience is positive and memorable for all the right reasons.

Accommodation options and safety

The best place to enjoy Bolivia's carnival season is in Oruro, a small mining town in the mountains of western Bolivia. During the carnival, the town's population quadruples, receiving almost twice its number of inhabitants for the celebrations. For this reason, it is recommended to reserve accommodation months, or even a year, in advance. Hotel occupancy reaches 100% during the carnival, and prices are a lot higher than usual. It is also possible to sleep in rooms rented by local families, although this may require some Spanish language skills.

If you are travelling to Oruro without prior planning, your options are limited. You could take the last bus back to La Paz, or see if you can rent a room from one of the locals.

Oruro Carnival is a very popular event, and crowds can reach up to 400,000 people. As with any large festival, petty crime does occur, so it is recommended to leave valuables at home and not to drink excessively. Be aware that you may be targeted with water balloons, water guns, and spray foam, and that children will be spraying foam on anything that moves!

Oruro is situated 3700 metres above sea level, so it is important to give yourself time to adjust to the altitude. Take it easy, avoid alcohol, and drink plenty of water. It can also get cold at night, so bring warm clothing.

If you are looking for a more relaxed carnival experience, you might want to consider Santa Cruz de la Sierra, on the east side of the country. The tropical weather allows for a Brazilian-type carnival, with Comparsas dancing traditional songs in matching uniforms.

Transport options and safety

The Carnival of Oruro is a religious and cultural festival held annually in Oruro, Bolivia. It is one of the most famous festivals in South America, drawing crowds of up to 400,000 people. The festival features folk dances, extravagant costumes, crafts, music, and continuous partying for up to 20 hours.

Oruro is a small mining town located in the arid Altiplano region of Bolivia, at an altitude of 3700 meters above sea level. The town does not have an airport, so the only way to get to the Carnival is by bus or train.

Transport Options

Bus

Most cities in Bolivia offer direct bus services to Oruro. The journey from La Paz to Oruro, for example, takes approximately 3.5 hours. It is recommended to book bus tickets in advance, especially during the Carnival season when demand is high.

Train

Another option is to take the train from Uyuni. The train departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Additionally, a special 'Tren Carnavalero' (Carnival Train) may be available during the Carnival season, offering a range of amenities and entertainment.

Safety

While the Carnival of Oruro is a vibrant and exciting event, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some safety tips to consider:

• Book accommodation well in advance. Accommodation in Oruro fills up quickly and prices can be significantly higher during the Carnival season. It is recommended to reserve a room months in advance, or even a year, to secure your stay.
• Be cautious of petty crime and pickpocketing. As with any large festival, crowds can get rowdy and there may be an increased risk of theft. Leave valuables at home or in a secure place, and remain vigilant of your belongings at all times.
• Drink responsibly. Alcohol is readily available during the Carnival, but it is important to drink in moderation to avoid negative consequences. Chicha, a traditional drink, is very strong and can cause severe hangovers.
• Be aware of altitude sickness. Oruro is located at a high altitude, so give yourself time to adjust. Take it easy, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Dress appropriately. The evenings in Oruro can be cold, so bring warm and comfortable clothing.
• Be cautious of water sports and water-based activities. While water bombs, water pistols, and spray foam are common during the Carnival, they can pose safety risks. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid any activities that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Stay informed and follow local guidelines. The Carnival of Oruro has specific traditions and customs, so it is important to respect local culture and adhere to any safety guidelines provided by local authorities.

By following these safety tips and staying vigilant, you can help ensure that your experience at the Carnival of Oruro is both memorable and safe.

The history of Carnival and its religious significance

Carnival, or Shrovetide, is a festive season that occurs at the close of the Christian pre-Lenten period. The word "Carnival" is of Christian origin, derived from the medieval Latin phrases 'carnem levare' or 'carnelevarium', which refer to the removal of meat. In Catholicism, Carnival precedes a 40-day period of fasting known as Lent. Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, marks the last day of Carnival and the last day that observers can indulge in meat and other indulgences before Lent.

The history of Carnival possibly has roots in a primitive festival honouring the beginning of the new year and the rebirth of nature. It may also be linked to the pagan Saturnalian festival of ancient Rome, which was celebrated around mid-December in honour of the god Saturn, father of Jupiter. Other sources suggest that Carnival originated in ancient Egypt.

During the Middle Ages, the Church combined pagan and Christian elements of Carnival. Beginning in the mid-12th century, the reigning pope would travel to Monte Testaccio in Rome to preside over the 'ludus carnevalarii', a celebration that pitted noble families against each other in various competitions. In the 15th century, Pope Paul II created the Renaissance Carnival, which included races between different animal species and groups of people.

By the 18th century, Venice had become the main site of Italian Carnival festivities, marked by the widespread use of masks, which created a sense of equality between the ruling class and the lower classes. The Carnival of Venice was later banned under Austrian rule, but the tradition survived thanks to artists on the Venetian islands of Burano and Murano.

Today, Carnival is celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world, with each country adapting the holiday to fit its customs and uses.

Frequently asked questions