Besides Brazil: Carnival around Latin America

There are two big misconceptions about Carnival and Latin America. One is that Carnival entirely defines Brazil, and the other is that Brazil is the only place to find a good Carnival party on the continent.

One of the things that makes Brazil so unique, plural, and colorful is its mix of cultures, putting the history of enslaved African populations and colonized indigenous peoples into the melting pot with European influences, resulting in the Brazilian nation. However, similar mixes can be found all over America, which was once one huge colony. 

Though Brazil differs from its neighbors by having been the only Portuguese colony, its most famous celebration can also be found around the continent, with their own local twists. The Brazilian Report has taken a look at all of the unique Carnival celebrations to be enjoyed around Latin America. 

Dance with the devil in Bolivia

Traditional Andean communities say that “the seven deadly sins crossed the oceans with the Spanish,” and is now part of one of Bolivia’s most idiosyncratic cultural expressions. In the city of Oruro between February 23 and March 4, look out for the Diabladas, a typical celebration consisting of 48 dances, with performers wearing disguises and devil masks. The festival is the perfect blend of Andean and Catholic traditions, which also made it recognized by Unesco as an expression of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The celebration starts with a pilgrimage to Socavón, then reverence of “Pachamama,” the Andean word for Mother Earth.

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