Best Events in Bolivia

Bolivia’s Unmissable Celebrations: A Calendar of Culture

Carnaval de Oruro: The Devil’s Dance

Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the Carnaval de Oruro is far more than just a party; it’s a profound religious and cultural pilgrimage that explodes into one of the world’s most breathtaking spectacles. This event is a living tapestry, weaving together pre-Columbian Andean rituals with Catholic traditions introduced by the Spanish. The result is a vibrant, chaotic, and deeply moving experience that engulfs the high-altitude mining city of Oruro for ten days. For more on the country’s diverse geography and climate, check out our Geography of Bolivia and Weather and Climate in Bolivia guides.

The sheer scale of the main procession is difficult to comprehend until witnessed firsthand. Over 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians in 50 different groups parade for 20 hours straight along a four-kilometer route. The centerpiece is the mesmerizing La Diablada, or the Dance of the Devils. Dancers in ornate, terrifying devil masks and opulent costumes perform a theatrical battle representing the eternal struggle between good and evil, a dazzling allegory for Archangel Michael’s victory over Lucifer. The visual overload of sequins, heavy embroidery, and mythical figures is an unforgettable feast for the senses. Given its global renown, planning is essential; accommodation and prime viewing spots are often booked a full year in advance.

• When: February or March, centered on the week before Ash Wednesday.
• Where: The city of Oruro.
• Why it’s a must-see: A world-renowned UNESCO event that showcases a powerful syncretism of faith through an astonishingly grand and colorful folk parade.

Fiesta del Gran Poder: The Power of La Paz

Each year, the steep streets of La Paz transform into a flowing river of color, music, and faith for the Fiesta del Señor Jesús del Gran Poder (Festival of the Lord Jesus of the Great Power). This is the city’s most significant cultural event, a powerful assertion of Aymara identity and economic influence. What began as a small neighborhood procession has grown into a colossal parade that showcases the pride and devotion of the city’s residents. It’s a day when the urban landscape is reclaimed by tradition. You can learn more about this vibrant city in our La Paz travel guide.

The procession is a day-long affair, with more than 40,000 dancers and 7,000 musicians from hundreds of fraternities making their way through the city center. Each group performs a specific folk dance, wearing impossibly elaborate costumes that can weigh over 50 kilograms. Keep an eye out for the Morenada, with its rattling noisemakers and heavy, bell-shaped skirts representing the suffering of enslaved Africans in the colonial silver mines. Other notable dances include the energetic, leaping Caporales and the elegant, spinning Kullawada, each telling a unique story of Bolivia’s history and culture.

• When: Typically late May or early June, on the Saturday following Trinity Sunday.
• Where: The city of La Paz.
• Why it’s a must-see: An immersive urban festival that is a spectacular display of Aymara culture, faith, and social organization on a massive scale.

Alasitas Fair: The Festival of Miniatures

The Alasitas Fair is a wonderfully unique festival where dreams and desires are made tangible, albeit on a very small scale. Rooted in Aymara traditions, this “festival of abundance” is dedicated to Ekeko, the god of prosperity. For several weeks, La Paz and other cities host sprawling markets where vendors sell an incredible array of miniature items representing aspirations for the year ahead. This is a great place to find unique souvenirs to bring back from Bolivia.

Participants browse stalls laden with tiny houses, miniature cars, wads of fake dollar bills and bolivianos, university diplomas, passports, and even miniature groceries. Once purchased, these items are taken to a yatiri (an Aymara shaman) who blesses them with incense and libations to ensure the wish comes true. It’s a fascinating and heartwarming glimpse into local beliefs, where faith, hope, and commerce merge in a celebration of future fortune.

• When: The main event kicks off at noon on January 24th and the fair continues for several weeks.
• Where: Primarily in La Paz, with smaller celebrations in other cities.
• Why it’s a must-see: A quirky and deeply cultural event that offers a charming and authentic insight into local traditions of wish-fulfillment and belief.

Indigenous Roots and Regional Rites

Pujllay de Tarabuco: A Victory Dance

For those seeking an experience that feels less like a spectacle and more like a genuine cultural immersion, the Pujllay festival in Tarabuco is an essential visit. This powerful event commemorates the 1816 battle victory of the local Yampara people over Spanish colonial forces. It is an authentic expression of indigenous identity and historical memory, celebrated with profound solemnity and pride. Exploring this festival offers a deep dive into the History of Bolivia.

• When: Third Sunday of March
• Where: Tarabuco, a small town in the Andes accessible from Sucre.

The celebration is a vibrant display of the distinctive Yampara culture. Participants don traditional clothing, most notably the unique helmet-like hats (monteras) and large, ornate spurs that jingle with every step. The main dance is a rhythmic, synchronized stomping, performed to the sound of traditional instruments. A central feature is the Pukara, a towering ceremonial ladder-altar laden with food, drink, and other offerings, symbolizing both the victory and the bounty of the harvest.

Todos Santos: Welcoming the Spirits

Throughout Bolivia, the first two days of November are dedicated to remembering and honoring the dead. Known as Todos Santos (All Saints’ Day), this tradition is a beautiful and poignant blend of Catholic faith and indigenous beliefs about the afterlife. It offers a profound look into the Bolivian understanding of the relationship between the living and the spirits of their ancestors. For travelers planning their trip, understanding the local customs is key, so consult our Do’s and Don’t in Bolivia guide.

• When: November 1st and 2nd
• Where: Nationwide, with particularly moving observances in the highlands and local cemeteries.

On November 1st, families prepare elaborate altars in their homes to welcome the souls of their deceased relatives, who are believed to return for a 24-hour visit. These altars are carefully arranged with the departed’s favorite foods, drinks, flowers, and special bread figures called t’antawawas (bread babies). The following day, families move the celebration to cemeteries, where they gather at gravesites to share a meal, play music, and commune with their loved ones in a bittersweet atmosphere of remembrance.

Aymara New Year (Willkakuti): The Return of the Sun

Each year, as the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day, the Aymara people celebrate their new year. Known as Willkakuti, or “the return of the sun,” this winter solstice ceremony is an ancient ritual marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. It is a deeply spiritual event tied to the rhythms of the cosmos and the earth. For an unforgettable experience, consider visiting Lake Titicaca, a significant cultural and spiritual site for the Aymara people.

• When: June 21st
• Where: The main ceremony is at the pre-Incan ruins of Tiwanaku, but celebrations occur across the Altiplano.

The most iconic celebration takes place at Tiwanaku, where thousands gather in the pre-dawn cold. As the first rays of the solstice sun illuminate the ancient Gateway of the Sun, attendees raise their open palms to the sky, absorbing the new energy for the year ahead. The ceremony is accompanied by traditional music and rituals led by Aymara spiritual guides, who make offerings of incense, coca leaves, and llama fetuses to Pachamama (Mother Earth) in gratitude and to ask for a prosperous year.

Music, Arts, and Modern Festivities

International Baroque and Renaissance Music Festival

When: April or May (every two years on even-numbered years)
Where: The Jesuit Mission towns of the Chiquitania region

In a remarkable fusion of history and artistry, the International Baroque and Renaissance Music Festival brings world-class performances to some of Bolivia’s most remote and beautiful locations. Held biennially in the UNESCO-listed Jesuit Mission towns of the Chiquitania, this event transforms beautifully restored 18th-century wooden churches into magnificent concert halls. The juxtaposition of sublime European baroque masterpieces with the rustic, tropical setting of the Bolivian lowlands creates a truly unique and profound cultural experience.

The festival is as much a journey as it is a series of concerts. Attendees travel between towns like San Javier, Concepción, and San Ignacio de Velasco, each offering its own architecturally stunning church with incredible natural acoustics. This pilgrimage through the heart of the Chiquitania region allows you to witness ensembles from across the globe performing works by composers who were once taught to the local indigenous communities centuries ago. The experience of listening to a Vivaldi concerto under a hand-carved wooden ceiling, deep in the Bolivian countryside, is simply unforgettable.

Charango Festival of Aiquile

When: Late October or early November
Where: Aiquile, Cochabamba Department

Deep in the valleys of the Cochabamba department lies Aiquile, a town celebrated as the “Charango Capital of Bolivia.” Each year, it hosts the Feria y Festival Nacional e Internacional del Charango, an event dedicated to Bolivia’s beloved national instrument. The charango, a small ten-stringed lute traditionally made with an armadillo shell, produces a bright, enchanting sound that is the very soul of Andean folk music. This festival is an immersive dive into that sound.

The main event is a national competition that draws the country’s most talented players, known as charanguistas. They gather to showcase their virtuosity in a series of spirited performances, filling the town with captivating melodies. Beyond the competition, the festival is a lively fair where artisans display their masterfully crafted instruments. For anyone interested in the rich musical traditions of the Andes, this event offers an authentic and vibrant window into the culture and craft behind the music.

A Practical Guide to Attending Bolivian Festivals

Experiencing a Bolivian festival is an unforgettable journey into the country’s soul. To make the most of your trip, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide covers the essentials, from choosing the right season to navigating the celebrations with respect and awareness.

When to Go: A Seasonal Overview

Bolivia’s festival calendar is busy year-round, but the country’s distinct seasons can influence your travel experience. There is no single “best” time to visit; it depends entirely on which celebrations you wish to see.

• High Season (Dry Season, June-September): This period offers clear skies and pleasant, dry weather, particularly in the highlands. It’s an ideal time for general travel and coincides with the significant Aymara New Year celebration at Tiwanaku in June. Roads are generally more accessible, making it easier to travel between regions.
• Shoulder/Wet Season (October-April): While you should be prepared for afternoon rain showers, this season hosts some of Bolivia’s most spectacular events, including the world-renowned Carnaval de Oruro and the authentic Pujllay de Tarabuco. The landscape is transformed into a vibrant green, offering a lush backdrop to the festivities.

Essential Planning Tips

A smooth festival experience often comes down to thoughtful planning. These key tips will help you navigate the logistics of attending Bolivia’s most popular events.

• Book in Advance: For major celebrations, especially Carnaval de Oruro, it is crucial to book flights and accommodation well ahead of time. A window of 6 to 12 months is not an exaggeration, as hotels and grandstand seats fill up rapidly.
• Confirm Dates: Many Bolivian festivals are linked to the Catholic liturgical calendar or indigenous agricultural cycles, meaning their dates can shift from one year to the next. Always verify the specific dates for the year you plan to travel before making any bookings.
• Carry Cash: While credit cards are accepted in larger city hotels and restaurants, cash is indispensable for almost everything else. At street markets, food stalls, and in smaller towns, having Bolivianos on hand is essential for purchases and transport.
• Acclimatize: Many of Bolivia’s most famous festivals take place in the Altiplano, at altitudes exceeding 3,600 meters (12,000 feet). To avoid altitude sickness, plan to arrive in a high-altitude city like La Paz or Oruro a few days before the main event. This allows your body to adjust so you can fully enjoy the celebrations.

Cultural Etiquette and Staying Safe

Attending a festival is a privilege, offering a window into deeply held traditions. Approaching these events with respect and awareness will enrich your experience and ensure you are a welcome guest.

• Photography: While the visual spectacle is tempting to capture, always be mindful. It is considered courteous to ask for permission before taking close-up photographs of individuals, particularly during solemn rituals or ceremonies. Some communities may not wish to be photographed at all.
• Participation: Remember that you are an observer of living culture. These are not performances staged for tourists but are profound expressions of community faith and identity. Maintain a respectful distance, follow the crowd’s lead, and avoid intruding on private or ceremonial moments.
• Safety: The large, dense crowds at major festivals can attract pickpockets. Be vigilant with your belongings. Keep valuables in a secure, inaccessible place, carry only the cash you need for the day, and remain aware of your surroundings, especially during the packed main parades.