The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Candelaria, which commemorates the first time Jesus Christ's mother, Mary, presented Him to the temple.
(Credit: AstroSage)
Feast of Candelaria 2024: Every year on February 2 and lasting through February 5, people celebrate the Feast of Candelaria. Since Candelaria marks the day that Jesus Christ was brought to the temple for the first time by His mother, Mary, it is also known as the “Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ” in the Catholic Church. Bolivians love this day, which has great cultural and religious significance.
The Feast of Candelaria has been celebrated since the sixteenth century. A tradition from the area states that some Inca fishermen on Lake Titicaca were stranded in a violent storm in 1576. They prayed for assistance, and the Virgin Mary came to guide them. That same year, they built a shrine with an Inca artist named Tito Yupanqui’s statue of the Virgin as a sign of their gratitude.
An additional narrative regarding the statue’s genesis centers on the sculptor. It is reported that Tito Yupanqui, who was not a sculptor, saw the Virgin of Copacabana, who had appeared to the sailors, in a dream. However, the vision had such an impact on him that he decided to study sculpture at Potosí. Using his newly discovered talent, he carved the Virgin by hand out of the wood of a maguey cactus, then walked 400 miles to Copacabana to put it in an adobe chapel.
Festivals fill the courtyard with vibrant flowers, and pilgrims and dancers go from Peru and around Bolivia to Copacabana for the feast. Traditional Aymar music, dancing, drinking, and feasting are all present.
During the third day of the feast, when 100 bulls are gathered in a stone corral beside the Yampupata road, a few daring guests jump into the arena.
The Virgin of Candelaria statue is Bolivia’s most popular pilgrimage site. Saint John Paul II reaffirmed Catholic commitments through the festival, making it more popular worldwide.
Mass processions are held on this day. Participate in it to fully reap the day’s blessings and spiritual rejuvenation.
The thousands of people performing music and dancing throughout this feast are its main attractions. Participate and let the joyous celebration lift your spirits.
Bolivian food is a fusion of modern preparation methods and ethereal Latin American flavors. Punchy tamarind, earthy grains, and fresh protein all come together in one meal. Celebrate the feast’s auspicious days by putting one together for your family.
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The main theme of Candelaria’s story is holding onto one’s faith. The statue was purchased and sold carelessly for decades after being removed from the chapel. Even so, it endured and continued to work countless miracles for those who possessed it.
This feast fosters unity as it is a celebration of the Catholic and Andrean religions and offers open arms to individuals from all over the world. Without a doubt, togetherness brings about peace and a forward-thinking planet.
Numerous Bolivians who left their hometowns to live abroad come back to take part in the celebration together. They become reconnected to their roots as a result.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 2 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 2 | Wednesday |
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