Oruro, city in western Bolivia, capital of Oruro Department, located on a plateau about 3700 m (about 12,140 ft) above sea level. Oruro is a major railroad junction and an important commercial and processing center in a mineral-, especially tin-mining area. Industries in the city include tin smelting and shoe and clothing manufacture. The Technical University of Oruro (1892) is here. Oruro was settled about 1595 by Spaniards interested in its silver deposits. Silver production declined in the 19th century. Population (1993 estimate) 201,831. Penitent devils in Oruro, the folkloric capital city of Bolivia, that surrenders in February to the frenzy of its singular carnival that mixes the devotion for the Virgin of El Socavón -patron saint that blesses the daily activities in the dark depths of the mines- with diverse pagan expressions.

The Carnival of Oruro is an endless rosary of dances
and faith. Thousands of faithful people carry out a journey through the streets of the city -founded in 1606- before arriving at the Sanctuary of El Socavón. Dances of remote origins like the Diablada, the Morenada, the Tobas, the Llamerada and the Phujllay, among other, are revived by the fifty folkloric groups that participate in the party.