Carnival Calendar & Important Dates
Full timeline of pre-carnival rituals, main parade days, and post-carnival blessings for the 2027 edition.
Pre-Carnival Rehearsals & Crafting
Fraternities begin weekly rehearsals (*veladas*). Master artisans craft custom masks, embroidery, and brass instruments in Oruro workshops.
Festival de Bandas (Band Festival)
Over 5,000 brass musicians dressed in uniform assemble in Plaza Civica to perform national anthems and traditional folklore rhythms in unison.
Último Convite (The Last Invitation)
The final mandatory dress rehearsal where all 48+ fraternities parade along the complete 4km route without costumes to confirm final placement.
Anata Andina
Indigenous rural communities from across Oruro department parade through the city celebrating agricultural abundance, native instruments (*tarkas*, *moseños*), and *Pachamama* rituals.
Convite del Tío & Ch'alla de las Minas
Traditional mining fraternities descend into Pie de Gallo shafts to perform sacred offerings (*ch'alla*) of alcohol, coca, and cigarettes to *El Tío* asking for protection.
Sábado de Peregrinación (Great Pilgrimage)
The central spectacle of the carnival. Starting at 6:00 AM, over 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians parade non-stop for 20+ hours along the 4km route, finishing on their knees inside the Sanctuary of Socavón.
Book Seating & PackagesDomingo de Carnaval / Entrada del Corso
A joyful continuation of the parade where dancers perform without religious constraints, celebrating with music, foam (*espuma*), and vibrant crowd interactions.
Lunes del Diablo y del Moreno
Special masses, devil plays (*relatos*), and farewell gatherings hosted by individual fraternities at the Sanctuary plaza.
Martes de Ch'alla
Traditional Bolivian day of blessing homes, vehicles, and businesses with alcohol, flowers, and confetti for good fortune in the coming year.