On the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, in the town of Copacabana (nope not that one), resides La Virgen de Copacabana who provides blessing and protection to vehicles. If your car is in need of blessing this is the place to get it done.
The Benedicion de Movilidades (Blessing of vehicles) takes places twice everyday, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. Thinking that it would be crazy to pass up the opportunity to have Marlin blessed by a priest of the church of the Virgen who protects cars, we rolled up on a Saturday morning eager to take part.
How to get your car blessed:
- Pull up in front of the church, park where the attendant tells you to.
- Hire car washer. Cost: 10 Bolivianos ($1.50 USD)
- Buy your blessing ticket in the church. Cost: 10 Bolivianos ($1.50 USD)
- Head to the stalls in front of the church to purchase the decorations for your car. You can mix and match but a completa (a complete set which includes an arrangement of fresh flowers for the front of the car, two bouquets for the side mirrors, and a garland). Cost: 20 Bolivianos (under $3USD)
- Don’t forget to buy a bag of flower petals and fireworks and some drinks for after the blessing. Cost: 15 Bolivianos ($2.25 USD)
- Wait for the priest.
- Once the priest has blessed your car, the village women to come around and give the car a second blessing this time to the pagan gods. Cost: 10 Bolivianos ($1.50)
- Light the fireworks, throw some petals and have a drink.
Total Cost: $9.75 USD for one heavenly blessed vehicle.
Car Blessing in Copacabana from Kels M on Vimeo.
Ironically enough we experienced our first car incident three hours later in La Paz. Nothing major just a minor scrape.
Cost: 20 Bolivianos ($3 USD).
Tags: Benedicion de Movilidades, Bolivia, car blessing, copacabana, driving in south america, Driving the pan american, la virgin de copacabana
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Just saw you guys in this crazy traffic jam in Sao Paulo. I am in the
same road you are now.You both are inspiring!! Have a nice drive and take care!
Luiz
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Hey Luiz,
Thanks – we had a lot of fun in Sao Paulo, so much traffic … Crazy! We are heading up to the Paulista coast to hang out and surf for a few days in Itamambuca.
Cheers!
Tom
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Hi Oisin… yeah it was amazingly fun to participate in, the best part was how into it all the Bolivians are. The shared drinks and laughs with us after the blessing.
Nice site… need anyone to review any of those boutique hotels
Thanks for stopping by!
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Kelly,
It really was a good time… if you are ever in Bolivia with a car you know what to do!
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Lu!!!
I think you are due for a visit for sure. See you soon?
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