Bolivian carnival 2025
February 2025
Welcome back to a new travel letter from Café del Mundo in La Paz, Bolivia!
What have you all been up to? Here at the café, we’ve been busy putting the final touches on something super exciting, our brand new eBook, The Bolivian Adventure: Your Guide to the Heart of South America!
This eBook started as a small idea, just me writing down the most common questions travelers ask at Café del Mundo.
I started writing at night, in my free time, after my kids went to sleep, and the more I wrote, the more I realized how much I wanted travelers to know before arriving here. I meet people from all over the world every day, but there’s never enough time to sit down with everyone and share all the details. That’s why this book became so important, to help travelers make the most of their time in Bolivia, avoid common mistakes, and experience everything this incredible country has to offer.
The mission?
To make travel easier, smoother, and more fun for as many people as possible.
When the writing was nearly done, my team at the café jumped in to help, adding off-the-beaten-path tips, cool local ideas, and travel hacks. And now, it’s finally ready! Whether you’re planning your trip, already exploring Bolivia, or bringing to mind after you’re back home, this eBook is your travel buddy, right in your pocket.
And the best part?
You can download it for free! Just subscribe to our email list, and in a few seconds, it’ll be in your inbox.
Plus, if you’re one of the first to download it, you’ll get two exclusive offers, one from Café del Mundo and one from Travel del Mundo.
So get your free travel guide now!
Carnival Fever in Bolivia!
We’re so excited about the eBook that we almost forgot about one of the biggest events happening in Bolivia right now, Carnival!
Across the country, people are gearing up for the celebrations, with dancers training day and night. Carnival in Bolivia is huge, with big celebrations in every corner of the country.
But before the main event, there are two special pre-Carnival traditions worth knowing about when you arrive; Compadres & Comadres ,The Pre-Carnival Celebrations! Two weeks before Carnival, Bolivia celebrates Compadres Thursday (Feb 20) and Comadres Thursday (Feb 27), festivals that honor friendship and community.
Compadres is all about the men, who gather for food, drinks, and festivities.
Comadres is when the women take over, filling plazas, homes, and bars with music, dancing, and traditional gifts like decorated bread dolls and flowers.
It’s the real highlight of pre-Carnival, especially in places like Tarija, Sucre, and Cochabamba.
For Comadres on Feb 27, we’re hosting a special event at our sister restaurant, Tambo! Expect live music, traditional dances, amazing food, and maybe even a shot (or two).
And don’t worry, everyone’s welcome, even though women will get a little extra treat!
Carnival in Bolivia, A Celebration Like No Other
Carnival in Bolivia is a wild mix of history, culture, and fun, where old traditions meet modern- celebrations.
Every region does it differently, from epic foam fights in La Paz to massive street parades in Santa Cruz, but everywhere, you’ll find music, dancing, and people having the best time. It’s not just about partying; it’s also a way for communities to show their heritage through legendary dances, colorful costumes, and never ending energy .
If you want to experience Carnival like never before, Oruro is the place to be!
This UNESCO-listed festival is an unforgettable mix of music, dance, and crazy colorful costumes. The streets are boiling with energy as dancers in awesome outfits move to the beat of loud, lively bands, telling stories through every step. It’s a wild, joyful celebration full of history, tradition, and non-stop fun!
Traveling to Oruro for Carnival? Here Are 5 Essential Tips
Bonus Tips for a Smoother Experience
Go a Day Earlier! If you want to see the magic of Carnival without the overwhelming crowds, head to Oruro one day before the main event.
The dancers rehearse, the city is festive but calmer, and you get a front-row seat without the chaos.
Prefer a More Relaxed Carnival Experience? If you’d rather soak in the energy without getting lost in the crowds, join us at Tambo Restaurant in La Paz, where we’ll be streaming Oruro’s Carnival live all day with special Carnival deals on food and drinks!
There’s always something fun happening in La Paz, and with our new eBook in your pocket, you’ll be able to dive even deeper into the culture and adventure of Bolivia!
