Our Lady of Copacabana
Our Lady of Copacabana (Nuestra Señora de Copacabana or Virgen de Copacabana) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Bolivia. The late 16th-century polychromed wooden statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, distinguished by its indigenous features and rich vestments, has been venerated since 1583 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana in Copacabana, Bolivia.
| Our Lady of Copacabana | |
| Feast Day | February 2 and August 5 |
|---|---|
| Country | Bolivia |
| Patronage | Bolivia |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana Copacabana, La Paz Department |
| Shrine Coordinates | -16.1667, -69.0853 |
| Origin / Discovery | 1583 |
| Proclaimed Patron | |
| Canonical Coronation | August 1, 1925 |
| Image Type | Polychromed wooden statue |
| Height | approx. 120 cm |
| Attributes | Holds Child Jesus; indigenous facial features; candle in right hand; elaborate vestments and wig |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
According to hagiographic tradition preserved in Augustinian chronicles, the statue was carved in 1582–1583 by Francisco Tito Yupanqui, a young indigenous sculptor and descendant of Inca nobility, who trained in Potosí after an initial attempt was rejected. Inspired by reports of the Virgin's protection during a 1576 storm on Lake Titicaca, Yupanqui created the image of the Virgin of Candelaria from maguey wood, plaster, and stucco, blending Andean and European styles. This reflects longstanding Catholic piety among indigenous converts, though exact details of inspiration remain rooted in oral and convent traditions.
Arrival or foundational miracle
Hagiographic accounts hold that soon after the statue's enthronement in February 1583, a series of miracles—including healings, resolutions of droughts, and protections—were attributed to its intercession, rapidly establishing devotion and leading to the construction of a dedicated shrine. These early favours, documented in Augustinian records, fixed the image as a focal point of faith in the region.
Early veneration and first shrine
The statue was initially enshrined in a modest adobe chapel in Copacabana in 1583. Devotion spread quickly among Aymara and Quechua communities, with pilgrims attributing cures and protections; by 1614–1618, the Augustinians built a chapel, and construction of the current basilica began in 1668, completed in 1805.
Role in national history
The image was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI on 29 July 1925, with the ceremony on 1 August 1925, affirming its significance. During Bolivia's independence (1825), devotion to the Virgin was invoked; jewels from the shrine were later used for the nation's first coins (1826). Elevated to basilica status in 1949, it remains a symbol of Bolivian Catholic identity, with national consecrations renewed in times of crisis.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Polychromed statue made of maguey wood, plaster, and stucco, approximately 120 cm (4 feet) tall. The original 16th-century structure is covered in gold leaf (except face and hands) and has undergone restorations.
Iconography and style
The statue depicts the Virgin of Candelaria holding the Child Jesus on her left arm and a candle in her right hand, with indigenous facial features reflecting Andean artistry. It blends colonial Spanish influences with pre-Columbian elements, such as the posture reminiscent of Inca princesses.
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by decree of Pope Pius XI (29 July 1925); the solemn coronation took place on 1 August 1925.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The indigenous features of the Virgin and Child, along with the candle symbolizing light and purification, are instantly recognisable. The image is typically adorned with a wig of real hair, elaborate embroidered vestments, and precious jewels donated by pilgrims.
Current dressing and presentation
The statue is permanently dressed in rich robes and mantles that cover the carved body, changed seasonally. The original image never leaves the basilica; a replica is used for processions.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The original image is enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a 17th–19th-century Moorish-style shrine on the shores of Lake Titicaca, elevated to minor basilica in 1949 and one of the oldest Marian sanctuaries in the Americas.
Other notable shrines
- Replicas in La Paz and other Bolivian cities
- Shrines among Bolivian diaspora (e.g., Argentina, United States)
- Shared devotion in Peruvian communities near Lake Titicaca
Pilgrimage tradition
Major pilgrimages occur around February 2 (Feast of the Candelaria) and August 5 (anniversary of coronation), attracting tens of thousands, many from Peru, with traditional dances, processions using a replica, and blessings of vehicles and offerings.
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Copacabana is recognised as principal patroness of Bolivia, a status affirmed through the 1925 canonical coronation and longstanding devotion, with the nation repeatedly consecrated to her intercession.
Canonical coronation
The original statue was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI (29 July 1925); the ceremony took place on 1 August 1925.
- Lake Titicaca region (shared with Peruvian communities)
- Bolivian and Peruvian diaspora
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
Hagiographic tradition relates that in 1576, the Virgin appeared to fishermen during a storm on Lake Titicaca, guiding them to safety—an event inspiring Francisco Tito Yupanqui's carving. Subsequent early miracles after enthronement in 1583, including drought relief and healings, are recorded in Augustinian chronicles, though historical verification is limited.
Historically attested favours
- Late 16th century – resolutions of droughts and community conflicts (convent records)
- 17th–18th centuries – protections and cures documented by pilgrims
Notable modern graces
- Annual healings and protections reported at the basilica
- Intercessions attributed during national crises and personal trials (ongoing diocesan testimonies)
Feast day
Principal feast
The principal liturgical feast is February 2 (Candlemas, Virgin of Candelaria), with a major popular celebration on August 5 commemorating the canonical coronation.
National celebrations
Festivities around August 5 draw over 50,000 pilgrims for processions with a replica statue, traditional dances, Masses, and fireworks; February 2 features similar observances with emphasis on purification and light.
Secondary feasts
- Local observances blending Andean and Catholic traditions
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Known as the "Dark Virgin of the Lake," she symbolises syncretism of indigenous and Catholic faith, invoked in national identity and prayers for unity.
Artistic and literary presence
- Depicted in colonial and modern Andean art
- Featured in Bolivian folklore, songs, and literature
Role in crises and reconciliation
Devotion provided hope during colonial times, independence struggles, and modern challenges; serves as a bridge between cultures in the Andes.
Prayer
O Virgin of Copacabana,
Queen and Mother of Bolivia,
you who guided your children through storms
and illuminated the faith of our ancestors,
intercede for us before your Son.
Protect our land, unite our peoples,
and grant us peace and hope.
Amen.
— Traditional Bolivian prayer