Dancing Through La Paz:
Everything You Need to Know About Gran Poder
May 2025
Welcome back to your weekly travel inspo from La Paz, Bolivia.
This week, we’re diving into El Gran Poder, one of the most unforgettable festivals of the year. If you're in town, get ready for a full-on dance and culture explosion. If not, don’t worry, you can still grab our free guide to Bolivian dances to learn more.
And make sure to check out this week’s podcast episode, where we talk more about this amazing event, we will also have a chat with a devoted Gran Poder dancer and Paulina, who shares some amazing stories I’d never heard before!
What’s Happening Around La Paz
Before we dive into the heart of the festival, I just want to say, if you're in La Paz right now, it’s a great month to be here. June is full of life, events, and energy. The city is absolutely full of activities, not just because of the clear skies and perfect travel weather, but because so much is going on everywhere you look.
I hope you got the chance to join us these last days for our soccer afternoon in El Alto and the Bolivia vs. Chile game, a wild one! Face paint, beer, and pure football madness.
And there’s more coming up! The Aymara New Year is just around the corner, a spiritual, beautiful moment to welcome a new cycle. We’ll talk more about it next week, along with San Juan, the coldest night of the year when the whole city lights up with fire, coziness, and (yes) lots of hot dogs.
But for now, let’s jump into what’s happening this very moment, Gran Poder, the most powerful and dazzling dance festival of the year in La Paz!
What Is Gran Poder?
Gran Poder isn’t just another festival, it’s one of the biggest and most meaningful celebrations in La Paz. On that day, the whole city turns into one massive street party full of energy, color, and tradition. At the center of it all is El Señor del Gran Poder, a religious figure that means a lot to people here. But it’s not only about faith, it’s also about identity, pride, and sharing powerful stories through dance and music.
In Bolivia, dancing isn’t just for fun. It’s a way to keep history alive, to show who you are, and to connect with others. During Gran Poder, you get to see all different dances come together in the streets of La Paz. Thousands of dancers, dressed in handmade, super colorful outfits, move in perfect rhythm, and trust me, you feel it. It’s loud, it’s emotional, it’s beautiful. If you ever get the chance to be here during Gran Poder, go. It’s one of those unforgettable travel moments.
Gran Poder 2025 – Save the Dates
This year, the Gran Poder celebrations will take place across two weekends. On Sunday, June 8, the first pre-festival events and smaller processions begin, perfect if you want a more relaxed introduction to the tradition. Then, on Saturday, June 14, the main parade explodes through the streets. From early morning until night, you’ll see group after group of dancers and musicians performing with breathtaking intensity. If you’re in La Paz, this is your moment to truly see Bolivian culture in action!
The Dances – The Heart of Gran Poder
What really makes Gran Poder so unique are the dances. The entire city becomes a moving stage, where every costume, drumbeat, and footstep tells part of Bolivia’s story. These dances aren’t just beautiful to watch, they carry deep meaning and emotion. The devotion in each movement, the pride on each dancer’s face, and the joy shared with the crowd make it impossible not to feel connected.
One of the best parts of festivals like Gran Poder is the dancing, not just for show, but as a way to tell Bolivia’s stories. In just one parade, you’ll see powerful traditions come alive through every step and costume. You might spot the slow, elegant moves of Morenada, telling the story of African slaves in the mines, followed by the bold jumps and jingling boots of Caporales, full of young energy. Suddenly, Diablada appears with devils, angels, and drama, blending Andean and Catholic traditions in a battle of good versus evil.
Then comes Tinku, with powerful warrior spirit.. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the happy rhythm of Saya takes over, drums, color, and movement celebrating Afro-Bolivian identity and resistance.
Want to follow along during the parade? Download our free dance guide with the top 10 dances and their meanings and how to recognize them.. Grab it!
How to Experience Gran Poder Like a Local
If you're in La Paz during Gran Poder, here are a few tips to help you enjoy the festival like a local:
Arrive early to get a good spot — the best groups often start early in the day.
Bring sunscreen, water, and comfy shoes — you’ll be out for hours and the sun can be strong.
Be respectful — while it’s a celebration, it’s also a spiritual event for many.
Keep an eye out for top-performing groups — some have generations of history and are truly amazing to watch. We’ll be sharing our favorites on Instagram throughout the festival!
GRAN PODER MAP
Don’t Miss It
So if you're in La Paz this June, don’t miss Gran Poder. Come experience it for yourself, the colors, the energy, the stories, and the emotion. And when you need a break, Café del Mundo is just around the corner with warm drinks, great food, and a community of fellow travelers.
Also, check out our TravelZine for weekly updates on what’s happening around the city and Gran Poder updates
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more local updates, travel tips, and exclusive festival-week discounts and of course to get our free amazon ebook about traveling in La Paz and Bolivia.
🎧 And next week, tune in as we explore the Aymara New Year and San Juan two very different but equally magical Bolivian traditions that light up the month of June
