The main attraction is a 20-hour nonstop dancing parade accompanied by marching bands. Thirty-five thousand or so performers trace a 4km route through the city, which is lined with bleachers to accommodate the estimated half million spectators.

Each group performs its take on one of Bolivia’s traditional dance styles, with troupes from all across the country participating. Unique dress and costumes help distinguish the regional and stylistic affiliations of the different performers.

Of course, it’s not all about sitting and watching the dancers go by. Bolivian Carnaval is defined by intense water balloon wars and attacks utilizing other types of (relatively) harmless weapons, such as spray cans full of foam. Prepare to get dirty… very, very dirty.

There’s no shortage of variety in the costumes donned by performers, from the colorful and quaint…

…to the downright bizarre.

The energy only ratchets up with the setting of the sun. Festivities continue through the night until the sun rises once again on the wild, messy, frenetic streets of Oruro, Bolivia.

Community Connection

Check out our other Carnaval reports from 09, including Barranquilla, Colombia.