Bolivia's Famous Festival: What's All The Fuss About?

Bolivia is known for its colourful and vibrant festivals, which attract thousands of visitors each year. The country's most famous festival is arguably the Carnaval de Oruro, a four-day celebration that takes place in February or March. The festival, which has been running for 200 years, is a mix of Catholic and indigenous religious beliefs, featuring folk dances, extravagant costumes, crafts, music, and non-stop partying. Bolivia also hosts a range of other unique festivals throughout the year, including the Fiesta del Gran Poder, Alasitas Fair, and the San Juan Festival.

The Alasitas Fair

During the festival, locals purchase miniature items to offer to Ekeko, the Aymaran God of abundance, in the hope that he will bring them good fortune and wealth. Bolivians buy a figure of Ekeko to keep in their homes and then purchase miniature versions of objects they desire for the coming year. They have these miniatures blessed by a shaman or priest and pin them to the poncho of the Ekeko figure.

The festival is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to experience local culture and enjoy the colourful festivities. However, La Paz can get extremely crowded, so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.

The Fiesta del Gran Poder

In the early 20th century, a temple was built in Ch'ijini (now Gallardo Street) to house the painting, allowing locals from different areas of La Paz to worship the Gran Poder and receive blessings and miracles. This devotion led to the creation of the traditional folkloric festival as it is known today. Beginning in the 1930s, the fiesta was a simple candlelit procession performed by Aymara migrants in the market district around Avenida Buenos Aires. By 1952, it had evolved into a departmental dance festival, and over time, it became a major international street festival known for its exuberant parties, elaborate costumes, and enormous crowds.

Today, the festival attracts more than 30,000 dancers representing La Paz's neighbourhoods and folkloric groups, who dance along a 6-kilometre route through the city's streets. The dancers' costumes are bright and beautiful, featuring voluminous skirts, hats strewn with ribbons, and elaborate masks. These handmade costumes can take up to two or three months to make, with seamstresses importing fine fabrics, sequins, and threads from overseas. The dancers believe that if they perform for three years, their wishes will be granted by the miraculous image of Christ.

The Oruro Carnival

Bolivia's most famous festival is the Oruro Carnival, a spectacular celebration that draws more than 400,000 visitors to the usually sleepy mining town of Oruro each year. The festival takes place in the week before Ash Wednesday, running for four days during February or March, with the main event occurring on the Saturday.

The festival has a long history, dating back some 200 years, and is a testament to Bolivia's rich cultural heritage. It is a time when the entire town comes alive, with people from all over the world flocking to Oruro to witness the colourful and vibrant celebrations.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Oruro Carnival is the presence of marching bands, with over 150 groups providing the infectious beat that fuels the non-stop dancing. The dances themselves are a beautiful blend of traditional folk moves and contemporary styles, with dancers donning an array of dazzling costumes. The crafts on display are equally impressive, showcasing the creativity and skill of local artisans.

The Urkupiña Festival

Bolivia is known for its colourful festivals, and one of the most famous is the Urkupiña Festival, held in the small town of Quillacollo in August. This week-long celebration is dedicated to both the Virgin Mary and Pachamama, the goddess of time and nature, and combines Catholic and indigenous traditions.

The festival is a mix of Catholic and indigenous rituals, with participants honouring the Virgin of Urkupiña, the most renowned virgin figure in the region. The traditions and rituals have incorporated Catholic elements while retaining the unique cultural essence of the indigenous people.

The Virgen de la Candelaria Copacabana

The festival is characterised by colourful costumes, dancing, music, and a plentiful supply of beer. The statue of Our Lady of Copacabana is small and visually underwhelming, but it is so revered that a church was built to house it. The statue is believed to have saved the lives of fishermen and destroyed the crops of non-believers.

During the festival, participants attend mass, dance in the streets, and climb a steep slope following the steps Jesus took to Calvary as an act of penitence or to request a favour from the Virgin. The Virgen de la Candelaria Copacabana is a spiritual and traditional festival, unique to Bolivia, and a fantastic experience for fun-loving travellers.

The festival takes place on the shores of Lake Titicaca, a glimmering lake with sacred ruins. Lake Titicaca is also the site of the Island of Suriqui, where another famous Bolivian festival, the Fiesta de la Cruz, takes place. This festival celebrates the cross of Calvary and features folkloric music, dancing, and the sale of handcrafted goods.

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