Carnival Celebrations: Oruro vs. Brazil – Traditions & Daily Life
Carnival of Oruro (Bolivia)
Origin: Religious and cultural festival, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Main features: Diablada dance (symbol of the fight between good and evil).
Other dances: Morenada, Caporales, Tobas, Tinku.
- Virgin of Socavón is the main religious figure.
- Traditional costumes and masks.
- Lasts several days with parades, music, and devotion.
Carnival of Brazil
Origin: Influenced by European and African cultures, associated with Catholic traditions before Lent.
Main features: Samba (main dance and music).
- Samba schools compete in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome.
- Colorful costumes, parades, and street parties.
- Massive celebrations in cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador.
- Lasts several days with music, dance, and joy.
How I Live Carnival
I celebrate with my family and friends. I enjoy watching the parades and traditional dances. I wear colorful clothes and sometimes a mask. I dance and listen to music. I eat typical food and spend time with loved ones.
Verbs to use: Celebrate, enjoy, wear, dance, listen, eat, watch, have fun, spend time.
My Daily Routine
Morning: I wake up at 7:00 AM. I take a shower and get dressed. I eat breakfast (bread, eggs, and juice). I go to school at 8:00 AM.
Afternoon: I study and do my homework. I have lunch with my family. I practice sports or watch TV.
Evening: I take a rest and check my phone. I have dinner at 7:30 PM. I go to bed at 10:00 PM.
Verbs to use: Wake up, take (a shower), get dressed, eat, go, study, do (homework), practice, watch, rest, check, have (dinner), go (to bed).
Comparisons Between the Carnivals
Possible Question: How is the Carnival of Oruro different from the Carnival of Brazil?
Answer: The Carnival of Oruro is more religious and traditional, while the Carnival of Brazil is more about music and dance. In Oruro, people dance for the Virgin of Socavón, but in Brazil, they dance samba for fun. The main dance in Oruro is Diablada, in Brazil it is Samba. Oruro has masks and costumes with devils, Brazil has colorful and shiny costumes.
Key phrases: “Oruro’s carnival is more ____, while Brazil’s carnival is more ____.” “In Oruro, people ____, but in Brazil, they ____.” “Both festivals are ____ but ____.”
Personal Experience
Possible Question: What do you like about Carnival?
Answer: I like the music, the colors, and the energy. I enjoy watching the dancers and the parades. My favorite part is the water fights and the food.
Possible Question: What do you do during Carnival?
Answer: I go out with my friends and family. I dance, eat, and watch the parades. I throw water balloons and have fun.
Key phrases: “I like ___ because it is ___.” “My favorite part is ___.” “During Carnival, I ___.”
Weather and Clothing
Possible Question: What do people wear during Carnival?
Answer: In Oruro, dancers wear traditional costumes with masks and embroidery. In Brazil, people wear bright, colorful costumes with feathers and sequins.
Possible Question: What is the weather like during Carnival?
Answer: In Bolivia, it is rainy and cool. In Brazil, it is hot and sunny.
Key phrases: “People wear ____.” “The weather is ____.”
Grammar & Verb Tenses
Your teacher might ask you to change the verb tense, for example:
- Present Simple: “I celebrate Carnival every year.”
- Past Simple: “Last year, I danced in the Carnival parade.”
- Future Simple: “Next year, I will visit Oruro for Carnival.”
Present Simple
Use: For habits, general facts, and regular activities.
Structure: Subject + verb in base form (+ s for he/she/it).
Examples: I dance in the Carnival every year. People wear colorful costumes. The Carnival of Oruro is very traditional.
Questions: What do you do during Carnival? → I watch the parades. Where does the Carnival take place? → It takes place in Oruro and Rio.
Present Continuous
Use: For actions happening now or during a short period.
Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing.
Examples: Right now, people are dancing in the streets. I am wearing a colorful costume. The samba schools are preparing for the parade.
Questions: What are you doing now? → I am watching the Carnival.
Past Simple
Use: For completed actions in the past.
Structure: Subject + verb in past (regular +ed, irregular in second column).
Examples: Last year, I watched the Carnival in Oruro. People danced in the streets. We had a lot of fun.
Questions: What did you do last Carnival? → I went to a parade.
Past Continuous
Use: To describe actions in progress in the past.
Structure: Subject + was/were + verb + -ing.
Examples: While the parade was happening, people were dancing. I was eating typical food when the parade started.
Questions: What were you doing during the Carnival? → I was dancing in the parade.
Future Simple
Use: To talk about plans or predictions.
Structure: Subject + will + verb in infinitive.
Examples: Next year, I will travel to Oruro for Carnival. The festival will be amazing.
Questions: What will you do next Carnival? → I will celebrate with my friends.
Your Daily Routine
What time do you wake up? → I wake up at 7:00 AM.
What do you do after school? → I do my homework and play sports.
What were you doing at 8:00 PM yesterday? → I was studying.
What will you do tomorrow? → I will study for my exam.
Carnaval de Oruro vs. Carnaval de Brasil
Where is the Carnival of Oruro celebrated? → It is celebrated in Oruro, Bolivia.
What are the main dances in Oruro’s Carnival? → The Diablada and the Morenada.
What do people wear in Brazil’s Carnival? → They wear colorful costumes with feathers.
How is the Carnival of Oruro different from Brazil’s Carnival? → Oruro’s Carnival is religious, while Brazil’s Carnival is more about music and dance.
Verb Tenses
What did you do last weekend? → I went to the market and watched TV.
What are you doing right now? → I am studying for my English test.
What will you do after the exam? → I will celebrate with my friends.
Weather and Clothing in Carnival
What is the weather like in Oruro during Carnival? → It is rainy and cool.
What do people wear in Oruro’s Carnival? → They wear traditional costumes with masks.
Your Opinion about Carnival
Do you like Carnival? Why? → Yes, I like it because it is fun and colorful.
What is your favorite part of Carnival? → I love the music and the parades.