Major Events & Festivals in Cochabamba, Cochabamba, Bolivia

1. Fiesta de la Cruz del Tunari

Annual pilgrimage to the cross atop Tunari Volcano, showcasing Andean faith and culture.

High Altitude Challenge: The pilgrimage involves a steep climb to over 4,600 meters above sea level.
Cultural Immersion: Participants dress in traditional Andean attire and carry crosses during the journey.
Community Bonding: Pilgrims join together in a shared spiritual experience.

Three-day festival honoring Cochabamba's patron saint with parades, fireworks, and music.

Community Celebration: The entire city comes together to celebrate.
Colorful Parades: Parade participants dress in traditional outfits and dance through the streets.
Traditional Foods: Delicious local foods like saltenas are enjoyed during the festivities.

Incan sun festival recreation at Sacaba Ruins with traditional music and dance.

Historical Significance: Celebrates the Inca belief in the sun god.
Cultural Preservation: Keeps traditional Andean culture alive and thriving.
Community Participation: Local communities come together to participate in the reenactment.

Unesco-listed festival featuring traditional dances and vibrant costumes.

Cultural Richness: Showcases the rich traditions of the Aymara and Quechua cultures.
Vibrant Costumes: Dancers wear intricate, hand-woven costumes adorned with silver and feathers.
Community Unity: The festival fosters a sense of community among the participants and spectators.

Celebration honoring Mother Earth with music, dance, and offerings in nature.

Environmental Awareness: Encourages respect for the environment and its preservation.
Community Connection: Brings people together to appreciate and care for nature.
Traditional Rituals: Involves indigenous rituals and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Celebration of the Virgin of Urkupiña at the Basilica of Urkupiña with music and processions.

Religious Significance: Honors the Virgin Mary, patroness of Cochabamba.
Community Gathering: Brings people from all over the region together in worship.
Devotional Practices: Involves prayers, offerings, and processions.

Celebration of quinoa, a traditional Bolivian crop, with food, music, and dance.

Cultural Heritage: Highlights the importance of quinoa to Andean culture.
Sustainability Focus: Promotes sustainable farming practices and respect for the environment.
Gastronomic Delights: Features a variety of quinoa-based dishes for visitors to enjoy.

International song festival showcasing local and international talent.

Music and Art: Showcases a wide variety of musical genres.
Cultural Exchange: Brings together artists from around the world to share their talents.
Entertainment Value: Offers a lively and enjoyable experience for attendees.

Celebration of Cochabamba's traditional music and dance.

Cultural Preservation: Keeps traditional Cochabambino culture alive.
Community Bonding: Brings together local communities to celebrate their heritage.
Artistic Expression: Features talented musicians and dancers showcasing their skills.

Celebration of St. John the Baptist with music, dance, and fireworks.

Religious Significance: Honors St. John the Baptist, a significant figure in Christian faith.
Community Gathering: Brings people from all over Cochabamba together to celebrate.
Festive Atmosphere: Creates a lively and joyful environment filled with music and dance.

Celebration of the Holy Cross at the Basilica de San Simon with processions and music.

Religious Significance: Honors the Holy Cross, an important Christian symbol.
Community Participation: Local communities come together to participate in the festivities.
Cultural Expression: Features traditional music and dance performances.

Festival celebrating the Virgin of Candelaria with processions and offerings.

Religious Significance: Honors the Virgin of Candelaria, a significant figure in Christian faith.
Community Unity: Brings people together to celebrate their shared faith.
Traditional Practices: Involves offerings, prayers, and processions.

Celebration of the Virgin of Socorro at her shrine in Cochabamba with music and processions.

Religious Significance: Honors the Virgin of Socorro, a significant figure in Christian faith.
Community Bonding: Brings people together to celebrate their shared faith.
Cultural Expression: Features traditional music and dance performances.

Water and Earth festival promoting sustainability, conservation, and respect for nature.

Environmental Awareness: Promotes sustainable practices and respect for the environment.
Community Engagement: Engages local communities in discussions about environmental issues.
Educational Opportunities: Offers workshops, exhibitions, and activities to educate visitors.

International festival celebrating quinoa and chuno, traditional Andean crops.

Cultural Heritage: Highlights the importance of these traditional crops to Andean culture.
Sustainability Focus: Promotes sustainable farming practices and respect for the environment.
Gastronomic Delights: Features a variety of quinoa-based dishes and chuno-prepared foods for visitors to enjoy.