Faith in the Dunes: Oruro Hosts Stunning Sand Art for Easter Observance

Sand Artists Transform Bolivian Dunes into Biblical Scenes for Good Friday and Easter

On Good Friday (April 18), artists gathered in Oruro, Bolivia, to create large-scale sand sculptures depicting biblical scenes and the Stations of the Cross. This unique artistic event marks the lead-up to Easter Sunday, the most important and joyous day in the Christian liturgical calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the western region of the country, vast sand dunes were turned into an open-air canvas by nearly 200 artists from Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia. They intricately recreated passages from the Bible and the 14 Stations of the Cross — a devotional path tracing events from Jesus’ condemnation by Roman governor Pontius Pilate to His burial.

Now in its 19th edition, this annual tradition continues to attract large crowds who come to witness the detailed sand creations and reflect on the spiritual significance of Easter.