Bolivian carnival 2025
February 2025
Carnaval is Here to Stay for the Week!
Hopefully, you’re here in Bolivia enjoying it with us! But if not, follow us online for updates, inspiration, and all the Carnaval madness.
This is one of the biggest party weeks of the year in Bolivia, and today I’ll give you some tips and tricks on how to make the most of it.
In our last blog, we started talking about Carnaval, including the big Comadres celebration a few days ago. We had an incredible night at Tambo, our sister restaurant, where locals and travelers came together for live music, traditional dances, drinks, and lots of fun. I hope some of you got to celebrate with us!
Carnaval in Bolivia - Like nowhere else
🗓️ March 1 – Carnaval in Oruro
👉 Last week we wrote more about Oruro’s Carnaval, check it out here!
The dances of Bolivia’s Carnaval are more than just beautiful costumes traditional music and colorful parades, they tell deep stories of history, struggle, and identity.
Each step, rhythm, and mask represents something meaningful, carrying centuries of tradition that make this celebration much more than just a show.
Meanwhile, La Paz turns into a foam battleground this Saturday!
Kids in costumes take over the streets, spraying foam everywhere, you love it or not, it’s impossible to avoid, so put on a poncho and embrace the chaos!
🗓️ March 2 – Oruro & La Paz Go Wild
Oruro is still in full celebration mode with its legendary Entrada del Corso, where dancers, musicians, and vibrant costumes fill the streets one last time in a final b ig moment of Carnaval energy.
And if you think Sunday means the party is going down… think again. Every nightclub in La Paz will have its own Carnaval theme, costume contests, and non-stop fun.
🗓️ March 3 – Jisk’anata in La Paz
Dancers take over the center of La Paz, filling the streets with folkloric groups, live bands, and so much energy. If you really want to understand the meaning behind these traditions, don’t forget to check out our dance guide before heading out!
And just when you think things might be slowing down… nope! Monday night Carnaval parties are still in full swing at clubs all over the city.
🗓️ March 4 – Martes de Ch’alla
By Tuesday, the wild street celebrations calm down, and Carnaval moves into homes and businesses.
On Martes de Ch’alla, families and shop owners make offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), sprinkling alcohol, confetti, and flowers to bless their homes, businesses, and cars for good fortune in the coming year. This is the spiritual side of Carnaval, a beautiful tradition where locals thank the earth for all it has given them.
The rest of the week? It’s slow. Don’t expect super efficiency, Bolivia is still recovering from Carnaval mode, or maybe better said, preparing for the last dance…
🗓️ March 9 – The Burial of the Pepino
The Entierro del Pepino (Burial of the Pepino) is happening on Sunday, March 9th, and it’s the final goodbye to all the Carnaval craziness in La Paz.
The Pepino, that loco, playful guy, gets a full-on "funeral", a way to say, alright, party’s over, back to real life!. Expect a dramatic (but hilarious) parade, with dancers, a marching band, and people pretending to mourn as they “bury” the Pepino for the year. It’s the last big moment of Carnaval, so if you’re still standing after all the partying, don’t miss it!
🔥 5 Cool Things You Should Do During Carnaval in Bolivia 🎭🎉
✅ Take an epic Carnaval photo: Snap a pic with the Oso, a dancer, or the colorful parades for the ultimate Bolivian Carnaval memory! 📸
✅ Learn a few dance moves : Try the Morenada or Caporales, you don’t need to be an expert, just have fun and join the rhythm! 💃🕺
✅ Survive the foam battles: Like it or not, foam and water fights are part of the fun, grab a can and join in or wear a poncho to stay dry! 🎭🌊
✅ Celebrate Ch’alla like a local : On Martes de Ch’alla, take part in a small offering to Pachamama with confetti, flowers, or a sip of alcohol for good luck. 🌿🍷
✅ Cheers with the ultimate party legend - The Pepino: 🥳🎭 Grab a drink, throw some confetti, and snap a fun photo with the wildest, most mischievous character of Bolivian Carnaval. If you spot a Pepino, you HAVE to take a pic, it’s basically a rule of Carnaval! 🍻📸🎉
🎉 Enjoy Carnaval & Embrace the Culture!
So guys, enjoy the party, embrace the traditions, and make the most of Bolivia’s Carnaval!
If you have any questions, we’re open as usual at Café del Mundo and Tambo, food, fun, and friendship, always here for you! If you have questions and are not here yet, write to us
And don’t forget to download our amazing eBook to get even more news, fun, and discounts during this incredible time in Bolivia! Get it here!
See you in the streets or at the café, let’s make this Carnaval unforgettable!
