The Oruro Carnival erupts like a river of ancestral expression and drama of invaluable cultural significance, while invited to visit this former mining town that seduces with historic buildings, museums and hot springs.

Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity is the category with which Unesco has distinguished the carnival of the Bolivian city of Oruro, summarizing the significance of art, history and sociology that studies the ancient world show movement that occurs out every year in the month of February.

At about 3,700 meters above sea level and about three hours from La Paz, this mining town founded in 1606 charged an unusual warmth of rhythms and colors before the arrival of fifty groups and bands that are present with an amazing wealth clothing and choreography. At every moment, every detail, everything is tinged with a deep religious sense, while an endless stream of dances and prayers are going through the streets. It venerates the Virgin of the Tunnel, whose miraculous appearance in a cave today gave birth to carnival, but also pray to the Man, the sole owner of mineral resources.

To appreciate the crucible of ancient traditions immersed in the celebration, a key insight is that every dance has its significance. It highlights the «devil», a struggle between good and evil carried out in two columns representing the seven deadly sins. Next, in the midst of bears and condors, heavenly robes appears Archangel Michael, after he launched Lucifer, the devil Supay China, and the court of hell sorry. In this deployment adds the «Story», the staging of a death struggle between human beings and the banishment of infernal discord.

Another dance is the most striking brunette, who emerged during the colonial era. It reflects the slave trade, and with clothes that weigh between 25 and 30 kilos, the mineral wealth of the Andean region. In turn, those who come to Oruro shortly before the carnival, will also enjoy the special feature of the preparations, which include a series of parties earlier called «treats», including the receipt of donations for the purchase of costumes, musical instruments and objects ornamentals.

Shrine of the Tunnel: Walking with history:

The festive folklore of Oruro also invited to take some time for relaxing walks. A visit to the Shrine of the Tunnel is really necessary, like a walk in the street, La Paz, home to artisans who wear clothing with their carnival. Conchupata Lighthouse, which was first hoisted the flag of Bolivia, also offers the best panoramic views of the city while the Church of San Francisco imposing its standing figure in the seventeenth century as one of the local attractions sober.

Another good excuse to prolong the stay granted by the museums and the hot springs. In the first case, it is desirable to know the Mineralogical Museum, which provides 7600 samples of minerals, and ancient fossils and precious stones, and the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, is presented with one of the largest collections of masks, instruments Andean percussion and wind.

Finally, amid scenery wild and quiet, an absolute relaxation delay between slopes famous for its healing properties. The resort offers two indoor pools Capachos 12 kilometers northwest of Oruro, while 10 kilometers along the same route, Obrajes complex offers accommodation and a swimming pool. At these sites, both with private bathroom, «the low temperatures prevailing in the highlands can enjoy the warmth of the waters like a soothing balm.

Breaks nearby:

Among the places worth discovering around the community appears Chipaya Oruro, 190 kilometers distant. This is one of the oldest cultures of the world, as its origins date back to about 2500 BC They call attention to its circular houses made of mud, their clothes and music.

Besides the history and traditions, you can think of the attractions of nature. A 310 km is the Sajama National Park. There stands the figure of the Nevado de Sajama, considered the highest volcano in South America (6,542 meters), while it can be seen a large variety of fauna and flora, especially llamas, vicuna, alpaca, ducks, condors, and ostriches.

Come and see the Oruro Carnival!