© Hay Haenen
This colorful religious festival can be divided into three parts: the solemn, the entertaining, and the trial. Solemnity is represented by mass, entertainment is provided by vivid costumed dancing processions winding along the streets of the host village of Copacabana on Lake Titicaca. Finally, the trial enables participants to partially feel the sufferings of Jesus Christ through an imitation of the road to Cavalry. Many set off to climb the steep slopes to eventually receive affection and protection from the Virgin of Candelaria. The festival is held annually around early February.
