La Derecha Diario Oruro Carnival: Cultural Heritage and Economic Engine in the Spotlight of Controversy
Peru has registered dances like the diablada in international events, promoting them as its own and causing discontent.
The Oruro Carnival, recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001, is a celebration that transcends the festive, becoming an economic and cultural pillar for Bolivia. However, behind its splendor, challenges related to cultural disputes, corruption, and the need to optimize its management emerge.
In 2025, it is projected that the Oruro Carnival will generate an economic movement exceeding Bs 380 million, according to the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hiver Flores. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the Bs 280 million recorded in 2024, a year in which roadblocks affected tourist influx.
The participants and visitors of the carnival contribute considerably to the local economy. It is estimated that more than 80% of the income comes from tourism, with expenses in accommodation, food, and other services. In 2023, Oruro received 42,406 foreign tourists and 366,653 national visitors, including spectators and dancers.
Cultural Controversy with Peru
The folkloric richness of the Oruro Carnival has been the subject of cultural disputes, especially with Peru. Both countries claim the authorship of emblematic dances such as the diablada and the morenada. This controversy has escalated in recent years, even reaching incidents like the burning of flags and accusations of plagiarism.
Peru has registered dances like the diablada in international events, promoting them as their own, which has caused discomfort in Bolivia. In 2019, the participation of a Peruvian delegation in the Oruro Carnival parade was met with protests by groups who consider that the neighboring country is trying to appropriate elements of Bolivian folklore.
The tension reached a peak when Peru requested UNESCO to recognize the diablada as part of its cultural heritage, a move that was rejected by Bolivia. The Bolivian government has firmly defended the Oruro Carnival as the original cradle of these cultural manifestations, based on historical documents and testimonies from historians who highlight the mining and religious influence in the formation of traditional dances.
While Andean traditions have shared elements between Bolivia and Peru, the authenticity and originality of the Oruro Carnival lie in its own history and devotion to the Virgin of Socavón. This celebration is a unique reflection of the fusion of pre-Hispanic culture and Catholic faith, establishing itself as a cultural reference in the region.
Suggestions to Improve the Festivity
To enhance the Oruro Carnival and maximize its benefits, the following actions are proposed:
- Investment in Tourist Infrastructure: Improve the quality of accommodation and transportation services to adequately meet the growing tourist demand.
- International Promotion: Implement marketing campaigns that highlight the uniqueness of the carnival, attracting more foreign visitors.
- Training and Education: Provide workshops to the actors involved in the festivity to ensure an enriching and safe experience for tourists.
- Transparency in Management: Establish clear and public mechanisms for the administration of caused resources, avoiding corrupt practices.
Corruption in the Organization
Despite its success, the organization of the Oruro Carnival is not exempt from allegations of corruption. The lack of transparency in the allocation of resources and in the management of spectator spaces has caused distrust among the population. It is imperative that local authorities implement accountability and oversight policies to ensure the integrity of the festivity.
The Oruro Carnival is not just a cultural manifestation; its essence is deeply rooted in religious devotion. The festivity pays homage to the Virgin of Socavón, considered the protector of miners. The "Entrada" is a pilgrimage in which more than 48 folkloric groups, distributed in 18 dance specialties, travel through the city to the Sanctuary of Socavón. This confluence of faith and culture gives the carnival a unique and sacred identity.