Carnaval Santa Cruz

Carnaval de Santa Cruz

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Carnival & ParadeSanta Cruz de la Sierra
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration4 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, paradesThis carnival's identity is shaped by both
Language["es"]Currency: BOB
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Carnaval Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Carnaval de Santa Cruz de la Sierra traces its roots to the city's founding in 1561 and ranks as Bolivia's second-most-important carnival after Oruro's, declared Cultural Heritage of Bolivia under the 2013 Law of Carnival. Timed to the lunar calendar in February or March, it opens with El Corso, a grand folkloric parade of numerous comparsas, alongside widespread street play with water, foam and paint.

Each year, once the lunar calendar sets the date sometime in February or March, Santa Cruz de la Sierra opens its carnival with El Corso, a grand folkloric parade built around numerous comparsas, the organized carnival troupes whose costumes and choreography give the opening its structure.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

This carnival's identity is shaped by both its long history and its atmosphere: dated back to the city's founding in 1561, it carries centuries of local continuity, formally acknowledged when it was declared Cultural Heritage of Bolivia in 2013 under the national Law of Carnival

02

The mystery stays covered

Its opening event, El Corso, brings out numerous comparsas, carnival troupes that parade in costume and choreography much like those seen in Oruro or Cochabamba, but the celebration's defining feature is what happens in the streets around it: widespread play with water, foam and paint gives Santa Cruz's carnival an energy often compared to Brazilian-style carnival, distinct from the more devotional tone found elsewhere in Bolivia

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The carnival opens with El Corso

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a folkloric parade of numerous comparsas

The sacred route

Living ritual

and is defined by widespread street play involving water

The local code

Living ritual

foam and paint

Tradition 5

Living ritual

a tradition recognized as Cultural Heritage of Bolivia under the 2013 Law of Carnival and dated back to the city's founding in 1561

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Use Santa Cruz de la Sierra transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.

What to wear

Clothing you do not mind getting wet, foamed or splashed with paint is essential given the widespread street play; quick-dry fabrics work well.

Safety

For Carnaval Santa Cruz, keep the basics simple: small bag, charged phone, meeting point and respect for crowd controls.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

["es"] · BOB

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map17.78 S, 63.18 WOpen in Google Maps

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Nearest airportVVI — Viru Viru
TransportUse Santa Cruz de la Sierra transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Santa Cruz de la Sierra via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Santa Cruz de la Sierra, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearClothing you do not mind getting wet, foamed or splashed with paint is essential given the widespread street play; quick-dry fabrics work well.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Bolivia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Carnaval Santa Cruz?

Carnaval Santa Cruz is listed for Past edition: 14–17 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Carnaval Santa Cruz take place?

The festival is listed in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

4 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLeldeber.com.bo
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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