Bolivian Traditions: The History of Carnival in Bolivia

Carnaval takes place in Bolivia during the month of February and sometimes as late as March. In 2013 Carnaval will be celebrated between February 8th and 11th, with the principle days being the 9th and 10th of the month. When most people think of Carnival in Bolivia, they think of the devil dancers of the Oruro Carnival, high in the Western Bolivian 'altiplano' (highlands). What you may not know is that in Santa Cruz, Bolivia Carnival is celebrated in a completely different way, similar to Carnival in Brazil.


Read about the various ways in which Carnival is celebrated in different regions of Bolivia, see photos of some of the sumptuous Carnival costumes, and learn how we celebrate differently in different regions. Carnival dates back hundreds of years to another region of the world. Read the history of Carnival and Mardi Gras, why it's celebrated precisely before Lent begins, and how these holidays got their names.