Carnival show in Oruro

This weekend was the big carnival in Oruro, la Diablada, one of the biggest carnivals in the world. We left Sucre Thursday night, and got to the apartment we were staying in at Friday morning. Since it was impossible to book a hostel (we tried several times, but each time they cancelled our booking), we found a guy who rented a floor in a big house with no furniture. We had to sleep on the floor, but at carnival it doesn’t really matter, as you don’t expect to get much sleep anyway. It was only 50 boliviano per night, compared to hotels charging between 60 and 100 dollars per night, with minimum 3 nights.

The carnival was amazing though; the big parades started Saturday morning, and kept going most of the night. It was fantastic with all the dancers in costumes, big bands, music and happy people everywhere. No wonder people from the entire world travel to Oruro to see the carnival.

Chicas at the carnival in Oruro

During all the day, when the parades go on, there is constantly water- and foam-fights going on, so don’t bring a camera you worry too much about – it’s a good idea to bring a old camera, so you can still take pictures, without having to think about the risk of the camera getting wet.

After 8 o’clock in the evening, it is not allowed to throw water anymore, and the only “danger” is the foam that people still spray on each other. That’s a nice thing, because it gets pretty cold, and you won’t be able to dry from the water.

At Sunday the parade starts over, and you have a chance to watch it all again. We did not stay for all of Sunday though, since we spent all Saturday watching the parade.

Unfortunately this is also a great opportunity for thieves, as you a lot of times have to pass really big crowds, where it is easy for them to pick your pockets… I’ve never gotten anything stolen before, but this time someone got to my phone. I was in a crowd for like 10 minutes, and after my phone was just gone. I had to go to the police station at Sunday, before leaving Oruro, to get a paper from the police, for the insurance. I met a lot of other people there, who had lost cameras, passports etc. – so it’s very common during the carnival.

Also watch out for people working together doing scams; sometimes they spray foam in your head and eyes, and then try to pick your pockets. There are a lot of thieves and people trying to scam in Oruro during the carnival, so always beware and keep an eye out.

Tips for carnival in Oruro:

• If you want a cheaper hostel, book and pay at least a month in advance. (make sure you pay in advance too, otherwise they usually cancel your reservation later)
• Remember to book seats to watch the parade. Costs 100 boliviano for Saturday and Sunday – Calle 6 de Agosto is a good place to watch the parade.
• The show is beautiful all day, but the mood gets much better in the afternoon of Saturday, when people have been drinking some more beer and gets ready to party all night.
• Take much care of your stuff – the city is full of thieves and scammers. Bring only what you “can afford to lose”, but don’t be scared or paranoid.
• Most important: enjoy your time at one of the best carnivals in the world!

You can see photos from the carnival in Oruro here.