Morenada central

Morenada Central – Rhode Island, Celebrating and Preserving Bolivia’s Cultural Heritage

Morenada Central Rhode Island has its roots in the historic Morenada Central of Oruro, Bolivia, one of Bolivia’s most representative folkloric expressions. The fraternity was founded by Mrs. Hellen De Ugarte Bolaños, former Predilecta and former Pasante of the Fraternity Morenada Central Oruro, who faithfully and proudly transmitted this invaluable cultural legacy.

The dance represented by Morenada Central Rhode Island is a historical satire that portrays the colonial period and the oppression imposed by Spanish colonizers. During this time, African slaves were brought to the region and forced to work with their feet chained in the mines of the Bolivian highlands, at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level.

The slow, heavy, and rhythmic steps of the Moreno symbolize the extreme exhaustion endured by the enslaved workers, who labored to the point of fatigue reflected by protruding tongues. The sound of chains is symbolically recreated through the use of matracas, a defining element of the dance.
The barrilitos represent the slaves who stomped grapes inside large barrels; the cholitas symbolize the women responsible for carrying and washing gold; the achachis portray elderly landowners and Spanish hacendados; the caporales represent the overseers who mistreated the slaves and enjoyed privileges granted by their masters; and the figures symbolize the cholitas who became companions of the landowners.

Over the years, Morenada Central Rhode Island has participated in the August festivals honoring the Virgin of Urkupiña, both in Providence, Rhode Island, and at the Bolivian Festival of Manassas, Virginia. The fraternity has been recognized by the Bolivian Consulate in New York, the Hispanic Festival, the State of Rhode Island, the Providence Public School Department, and the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce for its outstanding cultural contributions. Additionally, it has received invitations to perform at folkloric festivals in sister countries such as Mexico and Colombia.

Morenada Central Rhode Island proudly upholds the name of the Morenada, Bolivian folklore, and the nation of Bolivia, sharing with the world that the Morenada is a 100% Bolivian dance, rich in history, identity, and cultural significance.