guanche
Peculiar ritual
Traquilo Copacabana is a town on the border between Peru and Bolivia, on the shore of Lake Titicaca. The church is actually a cathedral, built in the centre, and is important for the Inca religion. They believe it's the cradle of the birth of its civilization. Many pilgrims come to see the Virgin of Copacabana, also known as the "Queen of Bolivia". This Virgin is the most revered in the country. The cathedral was built in 1580, after the Virgin appeared, in a style reminiscent of Moorish churches in the south of Spain. On the weekend, there is a peculiar ritual performed. People come, sometimes from far, to bless their car.
They decorate their car with flowers and colour and covered it with sparkling wine, while a priest throws holy water and says a prayer. There is lots of noise, music, singing, and dancing. The people consider it good luck for avoiding accidents. Since Bolivia has the most dangerous roads in the world, I guess it's a good idea.
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