Our Roots | Cocalero | The Sacred Spirit Of The Andes

Where Andean

Myth & Christian

Faith Collide

For over 2,000 years, high in the Andes, the city of Oruro has
hosted an ancient carnival that unfolds over ten vibrant days.
The celebration is a rich fusion of Indigenous masks, intricate
textiles, detailed embroidery, and Christian iconography.

Featuring more than 40,000 dancers and musicians, the
carnival draws over 400,000 visitors from around the world.
Its cultural significance has earned it recognition from
UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity.”

THE BATTLE OF

DARK & LIGHT

At its heart burns the Diablada — the Dance of the Devils.
Supay, lord of the underworld, rises from the mines.
Archangel Michael meets him in blinding light. A battle of
good and evil — fought not with swords, but rhythm and fire.

THE

ANDEAN TRUTH

But beneath the Christian layer lies the older Andean idea
of duality — light and darkness existing in balance, where
the devils are icons of freedom and vitality, not evil. Their
dance is defiance. Their rhythm, rebellion.

WE DANCE WITH

THE DIABLADA

We rise with them. Forged in fire, made to move. 
Cocalero celebrates the bold, the free, the untamed. When
the drums call — don’t stand still. Dance with the Devils

All photography: Pedro Laguna

Cocalero

Carnaval de Oruro

Where Andean

Myth & Christian

Faith Collide

For over 2,000 years, high in the Andes, the city of Oruro has hosted an ancient carnival that unfolds over ten vibrant days. The celebration is a rich fusion of Indigenous masks, intricate textiles, detailed embroidery, and Christian iconography.

Featuring more than 40,000 dancers and musicians, the carnival draws over 400,000 visitors from around the world. Its cultural significance has earned it recognition from UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”

THE BATTLE OF

DARK & LIGHT

At it’s heart burns the Diablada – the Dance
of the Devils. Supay, lord of the
underworld, rises from the mines. Archangel Michael meets hm in a blinding
light. A battle of good and evil – fought not
with swords but rhythm and fire.

THE

ANDEAN TRUTH

But beneath the Christian layer lies the
older Andean idea of duality. Where light
and darkness co-exist in balance. Where
the devils are icons of freedom and vitality,
not evil. Their dance is defiance. Their
rhythm, rebellion.

WE DANCE WITH

THE DIABLADA

We rise with them! Forged in fire, made to
move. Cocalero celebrates the bold,
the free, the untamed. When the drums
call – don’t stand still. We invite you to
Dance with the Devils.

All photography: Pedro Laguna