Bolivia: believers of the Virgin of Urkupina break rocks to ask for favours during a religious procession

Bolivian believers gathered on the outskirts of the capital La Paz on Monday (August 15) to take part in an annual religious celebration, that includes the breaking of river rocks to ask the Virgin of Urkupina to bless them with good fortune.

Pilgrims collected rocks next to the Itapallani and Muluyo rivers and tried to break them ahead of a blessing ceremony, which took place at the chapel of the Virgin of Urkupina and the Lord of the River.

According to tradition, if one manages to break the rock in a single blow, the wish will soon be fulfilled. If the rock is not easily broken, it will take time for the wish to be fulfilled.