Carnaval de Oruro
Encyclopedia
The Carnival of Oruro is a more than 2000 year old religious celebration that, through creativity, continuity, and ritual, came to constitute a model of "Masterpieces of Oral Heritage and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO
). The Ito festival was transformed into a Christian ritual, the Virgin of Candelaria
(Virgin of Socavón) on 2 February and the traditional "Llama llama
" or "Diablada
", became the leading traditional dance and Oruro
in Bolivia
. Throughout the festival involving more than 48 sets in 18 specialties folk dances they perform their pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Tunnel every Saturday of Carnival
in the traditional "Input".
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Celebrated in Oruro
, the folklore capital of Bolivia, the carnival marks the Ito festival for the Uru people. Its ceremonies stem from Andean
customs, the ancient invocations centreing around Pachamama (Mother Earth, transformed into the Virgin Mary due to Christian syncretism
) and Tio Supay (Uncle God of the Mountains, transformed into the Devil). The native Ito ceremonies were stopped in the 17th century by the Spanish
, who were ruling the territory of Upper Peru
at the time. However, the Uru continued to observe the festival in the form of a Catholic
ritual on Candlemas, in the first week of each February. Christian icons were used to conceal portrayals of Andean
gods, and the Christian saints represented other Andean minor divinities. The ceremony begins forty days before Easter.
Legend also has it that in 1789, a mural of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared in a mineshaft of the richest silver mine in Oruro. Ever since, the Carnival has been observed in honour of the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the Candle Mass) or Virgen del Socavon (Virgin of the Mineshaft). The most important elements of the Carnival now occur in and around the Sanctuaria del Socavon (The Church of the Mineshaft).
The carnival starts with a ceremony dedicated to the Virgen del Socavon. Marching bands compete simultaneously in the grotto of Pie de Gallo on Sunday, which is the greeting to the Virgin.
The highlight of the Carnival is conducted over three days and nights, with fifty groups parading through the city over a route of four kilometres.
The procession culminates in the enactment of two plays, reminiscent of medieval mystery plays. One is about the Spanish conquest. The other revolves around the classical battle between good and evil, with the Archangel Michael ultimately triumphing over the Devil and the Seven Deadly Sins
. The enactment of the latter was introduced by Catholic clergy in 1818.
From ancient times Jururu (Uru Uru), Oruro today was a religious pilgrimage center of the Andean world, to the "Sacred mountain of the Urus" which had called Wakas protective deities, or achachilas apus, these deities were Jampatukollo (Hill Toad
), Argentillo Arankani (Hill Lizard
), Viper (Quwak), the condor and Wakallusta (Resbaladero Idols) among others. After the conquest of the Inca Empire, they tried to introduce their religion by making a demigod WariDesam evil and sacred Apus waka or pest Ñusta petrified by the Inca. So they should worship the Urus pachacamaj only represented by Inti
.
From the Spanish conquest and colonization resulted in a unique religious syncretism of acculturation with Huari (Wari), synthesized in the "Uncle" it looks like the devil Universal and next to the Pachamama, the Ñusta who became the "Virgin of the Tunnel".
, which is considered the Folk Capital of the carnival of Oruro Bolivia
. still living pagan and Catholic religion, showing to the world their unique religious syncretism, three days prior to Saturday's pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the tunnel by the 48 sets, people visit the condor and a week later, the snake south of the city, toad north and east of the sand (ants). The Oruro Carnival of the term structure rainy highlands (jallupacha) that begins with the rituals of worship NOVEMBER related to the dead in "ALL SAINTS" (Next week the first treat of the Carnival), a period that extends until February (Entry of pilgrimage to Our Virgin of the Tunnel).
, France
. The international jury chaired by writer Juan Goitisilo. The artistic, cultural, academic and government was represented by President of the Republic of Mali, Alpha Oumar Konare, the Kabaka of Uganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi il, Princess Basma Bint Talal of Jordan, the Bolivian singer and Zulma Yugar Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes. The Carnival of Oruro to be a combination of over 28 000 dancers, about 10 000 players in 150 bands, street dance with a stage full of over 400 000 local and foreign viewers in nearly four miles away, in a unimaginable meeting of children, women and men who sing, dance and work, in honor of Our Lady of the tunnel, patroness of miners and Queen of the folklore of Bolivia. I get to become a radiating center of music and dance of devils, morenadas, foremen, tuffs, tinkus, etc. and thus constituted a "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity."
a natural setting that reflects the multiculturalism of the different areas of Bolivia
within 416 miles of city blocks. The groups represent various indigenous dance forms, and are accompanied by several bands. Over 28000 dancers and 10000 musicians participate in the procession that lasts 20 hours. The dances include:
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
). The Ito festival was transformed into a Christian ritual, the Virgin of Candelaria
Virgin of Candelaria
The cult of the Virgin of Candelaria or Our Lady of Candelaria , popularly called La Morenita, celebrates an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands . The center of worship is located in the city of Candelaria in Tenerife. She is depicted as a Black Madonna...
(Virgin of Socavón) on 2 February and the traditional "Llama llama
Llama llama
The Llama llama, also spelled Llamallama or Lama lama, was probably a dance with the characteristics of a farce or a disguise game with acrobatic elements...
" or "Diablada
Diablada
The Diablada or Danza de los Diablos , is a dance characterized by the mask and devil suit wore by the performers. Traditional of Oruro in the Bolivian Altiplano and in the Peruvian Puno department, the dance is a mixture of religious theatrical presentations brought from Spain and Andean religious...
", became the leading traditional dance and Oruro
Oruro
Oruro may refer to:* Oruro, Bolivia - capital of the Bolivian Oruro Department* Oruro Department - one of nine departments in Bolivia...
in Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
. Throughout the festival involving more than 48 sets in 18 specialties folk dances they perform their pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Tunnel every Saturday of Carnival
Carnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
in the traditional "Input".
History
Oruro, Bolivia
Oruro is a city in Bolivia with a population of 235,393 , located about equidistant between La Paz and Sucre at approximately 3710 meters above sea level. It is the capital of the department of Oruro....
, the folklore capital of Bolivia, the carnival marks the Ito festival for the Uru people. Its ceremonies stem from Andean
Andes
The Andes is the world's longest continental mountain range. It is a continual range of highlands along the western coast of South America. This range is about long, about to wide , and of an average height of about .Along its length, the Andes is split into several ranges, which are separated...
customs, the ancient invocations centreing around Pachamama (Mother Earth, transformed into the Virgin Mary due to Christian syncretism
Syncretism
Syncretism is the combining of different beliefs, often while melding practices of various schools of thought. The term means "combining", but see below for the origin of the word...
) and Tio Supay (Uncle God of the Mountains, transformed into the Devil). The native Ito ceremonies were stopped in the 17th century by the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, who were ruling the territory of Upper Peru
Upper Peru
Upper Peru was the region in the Viceroyalty of Peru, and after 1776, the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, comprising the governorships of Potosí, La Paz, Cochabamba, Los Chiquitos, Moxos and Charcas...
at the time. However, the Uru continued to observe the festival in the form of a Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
ritual on Candlemas, in the first week of each February. Christian icons were used to conceal portrayals of Andean
Andes
The Andes is the world's longest continental mountain range. It is a continual range of highlands along the western coast of South America. This range is about long, about to wide , and of an average height of about .Along its length, the Andes is split into several ranges, which are separated...
gods, and the Christian saints represented other Andean minor divinities. The ceremony begins forty days before Easter.
Legend also has it that in 1789, a mural of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared in a mineshaft of the richest silver mine in Oruro. Ever since, the Carnival has been observed in honour of the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the Candle Mass) or Virgen del Socavon (Virgin of the Mineshaft). The most important elements of the Carnival now occur in and around the Sanctuaria del Socavon (The Church of the Mineshaft).
The carnival starts with a ceremony dedicated to the Virgen del Socavon. Marching bands compete simultaneously in the grotto of Pie de Gallo on Sunday, which is the greeting to the Virgin.
The highlight of the Carnival is conducted over three days and nights, with fifty groups parading through the city over a route of four kilometres.
The procession culminates in the enactment of two plays, reminiscent of medieval mystery plays. One is about the Spanish conquest. The other revolves around the classical battle between good and evil, with the Archangel Michael ultimately triumphing over the Devil and the Seven Deadly Sins
Seven deadly sins
The 7 Deadly Sins, also known as the Capital Vices or Cardinal Sins, is a classification of objectionable vices that have been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen humanity's tendency to sin...
. The enactment of the latter was introduced by Catholic clergy in 1818.
Pre-Hispanic period
We present the multiculturalism of pre-Inca peoples, pre-Hispanic times, hunters, lake, agricultural, livestock and other highland lowland.From ancient times Jururu (Uru Uru), Oruro today was a religious pilgrimage center of the Andean world, to the "Sacred mountain of the Urus" which had called Wakas protective deities, or achachilas apus, these deities were Jampatukollo (Hill Toad
Toad
A toad is any of a number of species of amphibians in the order Anura characterized by dry, leathery skin , short legs, and snoat-like parotoid glands...
), Argentillo Arankani (Hill Lizard
Lizard
Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with nearly 3800 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica as well as most oceanic island chains...
), Viper (Quwak), the condor and Wakallusta (Resbaladero Idols) among others. After the conquest of the Inca Empire, they tried to introduce their religion by making a demigod WariDesam evil and sacred Apus waka or pest Ñusta petrified by the Inca. So they should worship the Urus pachacamaj only represented by Inti
Inti
According to the Inca mythology, Inti is the sun god, as well a patron deity of the Inca Empire. His exact origin is not known. The most common story says he is the son of Viracocha, the god of civilization.- Worship :...
.
From the Spanish conquest and colonization resulted in a unique religious syncretism of acculturation with Huari (Wari), synthesized in the "Uncle" it looks like the devil Universal and next to the Pachamama, the Ñusta who became the "Virgin of the Tunnel".
Currently
The celebration takes place in the city of OruroOruro, Bolivia
Oruro is a city in Bolivia with a population of 235,393 , located about equidistant between La Paz and Sucre at approximately 3710 meters above sea level. It is the capital of the department of Oruro....
, which is considered the Folk Capital of the carnival of Oruro Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
. still living pagan and Catholic religion, showing to the world their unique religious syncretism, three days prior to Saturday's pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the tunnel by the 48 sets, people visit the condor and a week later, the snake south of the city, toad north and east of the sand (ants). The Oruro Carnival of the term structure rainy highlands (jallupacha) that begins with the rituals of worship NOVEMBER related to the dead in "ALL SAINTS" (Next week the first treat of the Carnival), a period that extends until February (Entry of pilgrimage to Our Virgin of the Tunnel).
World Heritage
An international jury of public figures, convened by the Organization of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), proclaimed in the Carnaval de Oruro as "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." On May 18, 2001, the proclamation was broadcast from ParisParis
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. The international jury chaired by writer Juan Goitisilo. The artistic, cultural, academic and government was represented by President of the Republic of Mali, Alpha Oumar Konare, the Kabaka of Uganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi il, Princess Basma Bint Talal of Jordan, the Bolivian singer and Zulma Yugar Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes. The Carnival of Oruro to be a combination of over 28 000 dancers, about 10 000 players in 150 bands, street dance with a stage full of over 400 000 local and foreign viewers in nearly four miles away, in a unimaginable meeting of children, women and men who sing, dance and work, in honor of Our Lady of the tunnel, patroness of miners and Queen of the folklore of Bolivia. I get to become a radiating center of music and dance of devils, morenadas, foremen, tuffs, tinkus, etc. and thus constituted a "Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity."
Dance Specialties
The historical importance in which gravito Oruro and its great cultural and religious influence make the carnivalCarnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
a natural setting that reflects the multiculturalism of the different areas of Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
within 416 miles of city blocks. The groups represent various indigenous dance forms, and are accompanied by several bands. Over 28000 dancers and 10000 musicians participate in the procession that lasts 20 hours. The dances include:
- The Andean region of Bolivia Altiplánico whose foot are called Yungas valleys from which the dances of the "Negritos", and the "Afro-Bolivian SayaAfro-Bolivian SayaThe Afro-Bolivian Saya is an art form of traditional Andean and Afro-Bolivian music and dance originated in the Department of La Paz, Bolivia...
", "CaporalesCaporalesCaporales is a traditional Bolivian dance originating in the Department of La Paz, Bolivia; it was created and presented to the public for the first time in 1969 by the Estrada brothers, who were inspired in the Afro-Bolivian Saya character of the Caporal, a dance that belongs to the region of the...
". The dense population of the area where the departments of PotosíPotosíPotosí is a city and the capital of the department of Potosí in Bolivia. It is one of the highest cities in the world by elevation at a nominal . and it was the location of the Spanish colonial mint, now the National Mint of Bolivia...
, Oruro and part of La PazLa PazNuestra Señora de La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, as well as the departmental capital of the La Paz Department, and the second largest city in the country after Santa Cruz de la Sierra...
is rich in folklore and many of these dances part of the Carnival of Oruro, among these dances are the TinkuTinkuTinku, an Andean tradition, began as a form of ritualistic combat. It is native to the northern region of Potosí in Bolivia. In the language of Quechua, the word “tinku” means encounter. In the language of Aymara it means “physical attack.” During this ritual, men and women from different...
, LlameradaLlameradaThe Llamerada is an Andean dance. It is a representation of the task of llama herding and holds a historic religious value as a ritual of good fortune.-External links:**...
, kullawadaKullawadaThe Kullawada is an Aymara folklore dance that is part of the Bolivia Andean culture. Originating in the region around the Lake Titicaca, it is traditional to be danced among alpaca and sheep wool weavers. The dancers wear colorful, elaborately decorated costumes for the dance, which is meant to...
, kallawaya, the Doctorcitos, Incas and Kantus that coexist in time and space by all the glittering Carnival of Oruro. - The Valleys area occupied CochabambaCochabambaCochabamba is a city in central Bolivia, located in a valley bearing the same name in the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cochabamba Department and is the fourth largest city in Bolivia with an urban population of 608,276 and a metropolitan population of more than 1,000,000 people...
, TarijaTarija DepartmentTarija is a department in Bolivia. It is located in south-eastern Bolivia bordering Argentina to the south and Paraguay to the east. According to the 2001 census, it has a population of 391,226 inhabitants. It has an area of 37.623 km²...
and ChuquisacaChuquisaca DepartmentChuquisaca is a department of Bolivia located in the center south. It borders on the departments of Cochabamba, Tarija, Potosí, and Santa Cruz. The departmental capital is Sucre, which is also the constitutional capital of Bolivia.-Geography:...
, were inspiring Potolos and Pujllay. - The plains and forests with the Departments of Santa CruzSanta Cruz DepartmentSanta Cruz, with an area of 370,621 km², is the largest of the nine constituent departments of Bolivia. In the 2001 census, it reported a population of 2,029,471. The capital is the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The state is one of the wealthiest states in Bolivia with huge reserves of...
, BeniBeni DepartmentBeni, sometimes El Beni, is a northeastern department of Bolivia, in the lowlands region of the country. It is the second largest department in the country , covering 213,564 square kilometers , and it was created by supreme decree on November 18, 1842 during the administration of General José...
, PandoPando DepartmentPando is a department of Bolivia, with an area of , adjoining the border with Brazil. Pando has a population 66,689 . Its capital is the city of Cobija....
and Tarija and ChuquisacaChuquisaca DepartmentChuquisaca is a department of Bolivia located in the center south. It borders on the departments of Cochabamba, Tarija, Potosí, and Santa Cruz. The departmental capital is Sucre, which is also the constitutional capital of Bolivia.-Geography:...
part from the redskins and TobasTobasThe Tobas is a folk dance from Bolivia.The folkloric dance of the Tobas speaks of the ancient past of Bolivia. It has roots in a time when the Incas were the predominant force in the Andean highlands region...
(TWAS), war dances involving other ethnic groups within it. - All these dances mentioned share OruroOruroOruro may refer to:* Oruro, Bolivia - capital of the Bolivian Oruro Department* Oruro Department - one of nine departments in Bolivia...
origin like the Dance of the devils or DiabladaDiabladaThe Diablada or Danza de los Diablos , is a dance characterized by the mask and devil suit wore by the performers. Traditional of Oruro in the Bolivian Altiplano and in the Peruvian Puno department, the dance is a mixture of religious theatrical presentations brought from Spain and Andean religious...
, MorenadaMorenadaThe Morenada is a music and dance style from the Bolivian Andes characterized by a mixture of African and native elements...
, Antahuara, Awatiris, Suri Sicuri, Wititis, Intillajta, tarqueadas and Sampoñaris.
- The DiabladaDiabladaThe Diablada or Danza de los Diablos , is a dance characterized by the mask and devil suit wore by the performers. Traditional of Oruro in the Bolivian Altiplano and in the Peruvian Puno department, the dance is a mixture of religious theatrical presentations brought from Spain and Andean religious...
. - The MorenadaMorenadaThe Morenada is a music and dance style from the Bolivian Andes characterized by a mixture of African and native elements...
- Los TobasTobasThe Tobas is a folk dance from Bolivia.The folkloric dance of the Tobas speaks of the ancient past of Bolivia. It has roots in a time when the Incas were the predominant force in the Andean highlands region...
- Los CaporalesCaporalesCaporales is a traditional Bolivian dance originating in the Department of La Paz, Bolivia; it was created and presented to the public for the first time in 1969 by the Estrada brothers, who were inspired in the Afro-Bolivian Saya character of the Caporal, a dance that belongs to the region of the...
- Los TinkuTinkuTinku, an Andean tradition, began as a form of ritualistic combat. It is native to the northern region of Potosí in Bolivia. In the language of Quechua, the word “tinku” means encounter. In the language of Aymara it means “physical attack.” During this ritual, men and women from different...
s - Los Incas
- Los Llameros o LlameradaLlameradaThe Llamerada is an Andean dance. It is a representation of the task of llama herding and holds a historic religious value as a ritual of good fortune.-External links:**...
. - The KullawadaKullawadaThe Kullawada is an Aymara folklore dance that is part of the Bolivia Andean culture. Originating in the region around the Lake Titicaca, it is traditional to be danced among alpaca and sheep wool weavers. The dancers wear colorful, elaborately decorated costumes for the dance, which is meant to...
- Los Suri Sicuri
- Antahuara
- Ahuatiri
- Zampoñeros
- Tarqueadas
- Kantus
- Kallawayas
- Wititis
- Los Potolos
- Los Doctorcitos
- The waca waca
- The phujllay
External references
- Carnaval de Oruro Information about Carnival de Oruro in Bolivia, calendar and travelguide.
- Carnaval de Oruro - Dancing with the Diablada in Bolivia's Carnival
- A detailed description of the Carnival by photos and external links
- Lots of photos of the Oruro Carnaval, also including the Anata Andina, the indigenous part of the Carnaval
- Cynthia Lecount. 1999. Carnival in Bolivia: Diabladas dancing for the virgin. Western Folklore 58(3/4):231-252.