Learn Spanish and Enjoy Carnival (Part II)

3. There are places where you can enjoy Carnival and mix it with the chance to learn Spanish. On a personal level I learned Spanish in Ecuador and Bolivia but wasn’t in the former for Carnival. Bolivia is a really good place to enjoy the event and the biggest procession is in Oruro, where trumpet twirlers and energetic masked demons make for a lively sort of day. This is slightly more formal than in other cities, so check out the next point if you want to join in rather than just watch.
4. Even within the same country they will celebrate it in different ways in different cities. For example, in Bolivia I have danced in the rain in Tarija, been smacked in the head with a water filled balloon in La Paz, had a bucket of water dumped on me in Sucre (there’s a bit of a theme developing here isn’t there) and watched a Rio type procession of dancers in Santa Cruz. I prefer the Tarija version as it is more laid back and no one has thumped me with a water balloon yet. I ‘m not just being soft here; at altitude those things hurt. If you like a bit of glam and a lot of sun then go to Santa Cruz to learn Spanish and party.
5. You will be made welcome. In South America the people tend to like to speak to Gringos at any time of year, but especially during Carnival week. To make the most of it you should join in the dancing and check out what processions and special events are due to take place. I once dressed up a local farmer to dance / stumble down the main avenue in Tarija holding a sweet corn plant which was about three times my size. I also made a fool of myself in Humahuaca dancing to the crazy little song known as El Humahuaqueño and I still can’t the tune out of my head. Just let yourself go and enjoy the moment, as that it what everyone else will be doing. It’s a great way to learn Spanish and gave fun at the same time.