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Alejandro Ernesto

Alejandro Ernesto

Oruro Carnival, a fiesta in the heights

The Oruro Carnival, in Bolivia, is among the most famous in the world. Although less publicized, I would dare to say that it is almost on a par with those of Rio de Janeiro or Venice. And, let’s face it dear compatriots, far above our depressed and depressing Havana carnival. A few years ago, I had the great luck of being able to get to know and photograph the most famous of Bolivian carnivals. Thanks to a friend who lent me his house in La Paz, to another who guaranteed me “mobility” to travel to Oruro, and to many who, without knowing me, welcomed me like a brother, I was able to immensely enjoy the days I spent up there. Oruro, located in the south of the country, is at an altitude of 3,706 meters above sea level, so its carnival, declared by UNESCO a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001, is among those that are held the closest to the sun. Every year some 400,000 people from all over the planet invade this small Bolivian town to enjoy the carnival, many have no choice but to sleep where the night takes them or continue...