Carnaval de Oruro

Carnaval de Oruro is an annual religious festival in Bolivia. 48 different folk groups and over 20.000 dancers meet to perform a ritual over the Virgin of Candelaria and before the Lent. Although the Carnaval celebrates Christian holidays, it has roots dating back to pre-Columbian times. The festivities start in late February and last for 5 days. It is the largest annual celebration in Bolivia.