Carnival in La Paz, Bolivia, is a spectacular celebration of culture and diversity that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is one of the most colourful and vibrant events in South America, where the streets of the city are filled with music, dance, costumes, and joy.
The carnival in La Paz is a fusion of different traditions and influences, from the indigenous Aymara and Quechua cultures, to the Spanish colonial heritage, to the African and mestizo contributions. The carnival reflects the rich and diverse history and identity of Bolivia, as well as its contemporary challenges and aspirations.
The carnival in La Paz is held in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar. It lasts for four days, from Friday to Monday, and coincides with the Catholic celebration of Lent. The carnival is divided into two main parts: the entrada, or the entrance, and the corso, or the parade.
The Entrada: A Showcase of Folklore and Creativity
The entrada is the highlight of the carnival, where hundreds of groups of dancers and musicians perform along a 4-kilometer route, from the Plaza Mayor to the Plaza San Francisco. The entrada showcases the folklore and creativity of the different regions and communities of Bolivia, as well as the social and political issues that affect them.
The entrada features a variety of dances and costumes, each with its own meaning and symbolism. Some of the most popular dances are:
- La Diablada, or the Dance of the Devils, which represents the struggle between good and evil, and the influence of the Catholic Church and the mining industry in Bolivia.
- Los Morenos, or the Dance of the Black People, which depicts the African slaves who were brought to Bolivia by the Spanish colonizers, and their resistance and resilience.
- Los Caporales, or the Dance of the Overseers, which portrays the mestizo overseers who supervised the African slaves, and their mixed identity and culture.
- Los Kullawas, or the Dance of the Llamas, which celebrates the Andean camelids that are essential for the livelihood and survival of the highland people.
- Los Tinkus, or the Dance of the Fists, which recreates the ritual fights between rival communities that are meant to bring fertility and harmony to the land.
The entrada is a spectacle of colour, sound, and movement, where the dancers and musicians display their skills and passion. The entrada is also a competition, where the groups are judged by their performance, choreography, and costumes. The winners are announced on the last day of the carnival, and receive prizes and recognition.
The Corso: A Parade of Joy and Fun
The corso is the second part of the carnival, where the people of La Paz and the visitors join the parade and have fun. The corso is a more relaxed and informal event, where the participants wear masks, hats, wigs, and other accessories, and throw water balloons, confetti, and foam at each other.
The corso is a parade of joy and fun, where the people celebrate life and friendship. The corso is also a way of expressing social and political satire, where the participants mock and criticize the authorities and the institutions with humorous signs and slogans.
The corso ends at the Plaza San Francisco, where a giant puppet of Pepino, the clown and the symbol of the carnival, is burned. This marks the end of the carnival and the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and penitence for the Catholics.
Conclusion
Carnival in La Paz, Bolivia, is a unique and unforgettable experience that you should not miss. It is a festival that celebrates the culture and diversity of Bolivia, as well as its challenges and hopes. It is a festival that invites you to join the party and have fun, as well as to learn and appreciate the history and identity of the Bolivian people.