Religion, devotion, faith, Love – many names for the several different ways of approaching what’s believed to be a stronger, powerful protective force… People seeking blessings, seeking help, seeking guidance…
Cerro Calvario (Calvary Hill) is a hill in Copacabana lined with small monuments representing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Pilgrims visit the Stations for prayer and penance. Thousands of pilgrims journey to Copacabana – some on foot for the entire 158km distance from La Paz, and it’s the chosen inspiration for the fourth week of this 52-week Photo Project, and the last Sunday of January 2013.
At the summit of Cerro Calvario, pilgrims light incense and buy mini replicas of various material possessions that they hope the Virgin will grant them during the year.
The Virgen de la Candelaria in Copacabana is a statue of the Virgin Mary sculpted by an Inca craftsman in 1576. Believed to work miracles, the statue of the “Dark Virgin of the Lake” is the most important pilgrimage destination in Bolivia.
According to a local legend, in 1576, some Inca fishermen were caught in a terrible storm on Lake Titicaca. As they prayed for help, the Virgin Mary appeared and led them to safety.
A traditional expression of love, for something bigger than oneself…
For this week’s photo challenge, we’re all trying to answer the question: ‘What is love?’ Some amazing bloggers have already done it! What about you? ♥
- Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
- Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
- Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
3rdculturechildren 
Hi What a great post.
I’m confused, where is Copacabana? Is it in Brazil? And La Paz is in Bolivia?
Fascinating to learn about this pilgrimage. I know a little about the ancient Spanish pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela because I walked it last summer, but its become too popular and too busy. This one appeals to me. Did you walk it?
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Well, there are two places named Copacabana. The one in Brazil, belongs to the city of Rio de Janeiro, and was named in honor of the one in Bolivia (Our Lady of Copacabana is a saint figure, honored and worshiped by fishermen in Bolivia). And La Paz is the exciting capital of Bolivia, our current home! 😮 One day I’ll do the walk in Santiago de Compostela.. one day!
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Well thanks to you I learned something new today about Bolivia and the town Copacabana. Thank you.
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You’re more than welcome! 😮
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I gotta say I really loved the Cerro Calvario shot. That’s a very cool way of doing the Stations of the Cross. But I gotta say that my favorite is the last picture. I know you don’t see her face, but it definitely evokes a sense of faith. Nice job. I love her wrap too, reminds me of the bright colors of Guatemala.
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Thank you very much for such a detailed comment… the lady praying, is definitely a great shot… love her Aguayo [wrap], as you said… 😮
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Wow! gorgeous photos! Now I have to put Bolivia on my bucket list … and move it to the top. All the best, Terri
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Thank you so much, Terri! Great words of encouragement! Hopefully, you’ll make your way out here… it’s a beautiful place! Take care, R.
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Very nice story and shots as well :-).
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Thank you very much, Katy, for taking the time to come over and check this blogpost out – much appreciated! 😮
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Oh wow! You have inspired me with this post! I loved everything, from the way you describe it and the way you showcased the photos! Great job! Love is not just about having someone special, it is about looking at things in a different light with respect and happiness 🙂
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Thank you very much, Joycelyn! Glad I could inspire someone… 😮 if you come up with a new post on ‘love’, just let me know, and I’ll be happy to go check it out! Take care & have a great day!
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Beautiful! Such vibrant colors and I love the story!
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Thank you very much, Ingrid D., for taking the time to stop by and read thru the post! Much appreciated! 😮
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Pictures that takes your breathe away. Beautiful!
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Thank you so very much, Island Traveler! Also, thank you for the ‘shout out’ thru Twitter… always nice! 😮
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Gorgeous photos and wonderful interpretation of the theme. 🙂
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I’m really glad with the positive feedback! Thanks, Imelda! 😮
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Wow! amazing colours – love it! Great to see such a different take from mine!
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Good to know you enjoyed them! 😮 Thanks for taking the time to come over and check the blogpost out – much appreciated!
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you provide such a wonderful insight in to this culture…great images and loved the reading to go with it
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Thank you very much, Jo Bryant! My next move will be towards putting together some sort of ‘photo journal’ about our visit to Copacabana, the hiking, the mysticism [Calvary Hill], open markets… a big task, for sure… let’s see how it comes out! :p Thank you very much for your usual interest, great & positive comments, and for always offering kind words of support! They definitely keep me going much appreciated!
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This is agreat interpretation’s about Love.:)
Thank you very much for posting my link on your page appreciated a lot.:)
Have a lovely weekend,
Yen-Yen
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Thanks! You’re more than welcome! 😮
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Wow, I would love to see this in personal.. 🙂
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thanks Zen! Much appreciated! 😮
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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Nice selection of love. A higher power indeed. Thanks for the pingback!
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Glad you enjoyed them! A higher power, indeed… And regarding your blogpost, it’s my pleasure to share! 😮
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Patricia! 😮
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your interpretation of love is very beautiful and inspiring … i love to see the colourful clothing and devotion of the pilgrims … and thanks for the pingback 🙂
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I’m glad to share your post- always a pleasure! and thanks for your very sweet words & comment about this post… it’s definitely a very interesting challenge for this week! Have a great weekend! 😮
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So much to see and share. I hope one day everyone is ‘third culture’. Today I chatted on the stair with my upstairs neighbour – Serbia, USA, China, UK all getting along and the kids have the languages, using whichever is needed.
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Why not, right? The world is became smaller… despite the distances… culture sees no boundaries! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Have a great weekend! 😮
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BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS! Love them. Thanks for the pingback.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Thank you very much for your words of support! Have a great weekend! 😮
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I’d like to make a journey in South and Central America, and I speak Spanish… Better than English… Your images are beautiful…
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Thank you so very much! I’m glad the images are getting such a positive feedback! Will work on the other related posts for later this week! Greetings & wishes for a great weekend, R.
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These are stunning. The feeling really comes through with your perspective and colors. Thank you for sharing them with us.
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Thank you very much, Stephanie, for your kind words of support! Much appreciated! And it’s my pleasure to share… more unique images to come soon! 😮
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Thank you for the ping back!
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You’re more than welcome! Thanks for visiting!
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Such a rich culture, I’m really enjoying these posts, what an amazing place. I have an image in my head of little plastic televisions, cookers and perhaps the odd tractor!
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Thanks, Gilly! I’m sure I can find them over here [the tractor, the old TV and cookers] and snap a shot for you!! Will be on the lookout! :p
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the last picture: so colorful clothes!
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Thanks! 😮 I love them, as well… and the best part: they’re everywhere you look… such a great scenario!
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Hey thanks for the pingback, though I couldn’t find my post here! Lovely photographs 🙂
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Thanks, Ambar! The pingback comes from the little area below the post, when you’re editing it… it gives the original author the ‘linkback’, without cluttering the post… but trust me, and you know it’s true, because it gave you the ‘shout out’… your post is linked to mine… Glad and pleased to share! 😮 Take care & wishes for a great weekend!
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Got it! Thank you so much for explaining that to a noob like me 🙂 I am always confused by pingbacks and trackbacks!LOL.
Thanks again for taking the time to explain it to me and for sharing my post! 🙂 Have a great day!
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You’re more than welcome, Amba! 😮
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Beautiful, informative post. Thanks for the pingback.
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Thank you! Much appreciated – and, my pleasure to share! 😮
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Nice set of pictures here!
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Thank you ver much! 😮
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You are welcome! Do drop by my blog too!
http://mykhoolife.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/sunny-day-with-flowers/
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