This is the most important building in town. Standing inside, in an extraordinary andean baroque altar you can see the Candelaria dark Madonna. Nowadays, the Church holds thousands of peregrines who come with offerings to the Sanctuary, many others come in a pilgrimage all the way from La Paz city, a display of faith an devotion on a journey of 3 days walk.
Every Easter, thousand of peregrines do a long walk from La Paz city to ask favors to the Copacabana Madonna or give thanks for those which were already accomplished. In front of the church, takes place one of the most traditional ceremonies of the country, the traditional "Ch'alla", when they ask a Catholic priest to bless their properties and they ask a fortune teller to do it as well. Every weekend and holidays, there is a massive crowd parking in front of the church to bless their vehicles, which are decorated with flowers and spread beer, champagne and alcohol, as an invitation to the mother earth "Pachamama". |