El Patio Spanish

'With the Strength of the Sun' Andean Carnival is held annually in Arica, Northern Chile. As one of the most important Latin American carnivals, it celebrates Andean culture and unites Spanish, Catholic and Indigenous traditions shared between northern Chile, Peru and Bolivia. 

The aim is to rescue, promote and spread Andean culture through dance and music.

It is celebrated for three days during summer. This year it was held on the 7th, 8th and 9th of February, with more than 16,000 dancers and musicians and 100,000 spectators. During these days the whole city becomes a stage for many colourful groups of different dance styles, such as 'Caporales', 'Morenada' and 'Diablada', of Bolivian origin.

CAPORALES

Caporales has its origins in the Afro-Andean dances of the Yungas region of Bolivia. This dance represents the foremen who were in charge of the slaves in colonial times.

Caporales tiene su origen en los bailes afroandinos de la región de Yungas de Bolivia. Este baile representa a los capataces que estaban a cargo de los esclavos en la época colonial.