Photos taken in Oruro, Bolivia in 2011 with the first camera I ever owned, a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS.

La Patria brings to life the richness in culture that Carnaval in Bolivia represents through the various dances and ornate costumes that are native to the country. Each photo captures a moment in time that reflects the joyful expressions of the dancers and the euphoric feelings that this annual celebration represents for Bolivians.

The Morenada is a dance that traces its origins back to the Spanish colonial days and is inspired by the influx Africans in the region at the time. The dance's exact origin is unknown.