Shrove Monday 2025

Description

Shrove Monday in Bolivia is called Lunes de Carnaval. It is the Monday before Ash Wednesday. People celebrate with parades, colorful costumes, music, dancing, and water fights. Streets fill with joy and loud celebrations across towns and cities.

This day is part of the larger Carnival period that ends when Lent begins. Carnival mixes Indigenous traditions with Catholic customs brought by Spanish colonists. Famous celebrations happen in places like Oruro, La Paz, and Santa Cruz.

Shrove Monday is important because it lets people enjoy feasting and fun before the quieter, reflective season of Lent. It keeps community bonds strong and shows Bolivia s rich cultural and religious history.

Traditions

Shrove Monday in Bolivia is part of Carnival week. People take to the streets to sing, dance, and join colorful parades. Friends and families play with water, foam, and sometimes painted powder to celebrate before Lent.

Food is important. Common treats include buñuelos and empanadas, sweet fritters eaten with hot drinks. Street vendors sell chicha and other local drinks. Families share meals and invite neighbors to join.

Regions add their own touch. Oruro mixes Carnival with many traditional folk dances. Santa Cruz tends to be louder and more tropical with big water fights. In La Paz and the highlands people blend parades with Andean rituals and costumes.

Travel Tips

Shrove Monday in Bolivia is part of Carnival. Expect lively parades, music, and water and foam fights in towns and cities. Banks and some government offices may be closed. Shops and restaurants can have different hours or be very busy.

To enjoy it safely, wear water friendly clothes and protect your phone and money. Use registered taxis and watch crowds on roads and at bus stations. Join celebrations respectfully, ask before taking photos, drink water, and book transport and lodging early to avoid last minute problems.