In Bolivia, Oruro, Santa Cruz, Tarija and La Paz hold carnavals but although the carnaval in Oruro is the most famous, I celebrated carnaval in Tarija with my friends. It takes place for the eight days preceeding Ash Wednesday.
The photos are from 2 parades, one on Sunday March 6th, and the other parade was on Saturday March 12th. The first parade is a typical Tarija style parade, and the second parade is in the style of northern Bolivia (La Paz), named Carnaval Andino.
Unfortunately, most people do not dress up for carnaval, nor is there special "carnaval music" like for instance in the south of Holland. Drinking is the main goal. There are concerts in the street, with as always lots of food and alcohol. Special and different is the fact that everyone throws water balloons at each other of sprays water at you with water soaker guns. The spray cans with foam are very popular too! And since I stick out as a sore thumb, I received a lot of wet surprises......
< CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE THEM >
Carnaval Andino
Good to hear from you again! Great photos! It doesn't look like a carnival in Sweden though the meaning of it sounds the same... to get drunk ;) Take care!
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