| Copacabana, Bolivia, on the shore
of Lake Titicaca, is host of the Virgen de la Candelaris, the patron saint
of Bolivia. The statue was carved in the 1570s by Francisco Yupanqui, graqndson
of an lnca king. But the region is still full of elements that remind of
the religion before the arrival of the Spaniards. In fact, both religions
exists one besides the other. Easter is a perfect time to notice this. From
whole over the country, people come to Copacabana to get their cars blessed.
First, the Catholic priests do the same thing. If the blessings of one religion
doesn't help, may the other will do. On the Cerro Calvario, Indian priests
bless miniature cars, houses, money, ¡¡ in fact, Cerro Calvario is a Catholic
place where the life of Christ is remembered. But Cerro Calvario seems to
be taken by Indian priest. Easter coincides also with the traditional feast
for the harvest of maize, a very important crop. This occasion is celebrated
with lots of dancing and drinking chichi, corn beer. |
