Copacabana, Bolivia
| Copacabana, Bolivia | |
| Type: | Town |
| Country: | Bolivia |
| Subdivision: | La Paz Department |
| Founded: | |
| Total Population: | 6,000 |
| Catholic Population: | — |
| Catholic %: | — |
| Parishes: | — |
| Patron Saint: | Our Lady of Copacabana (Virgen de Copacabana / Virgen de la Candelaria; patroness of Bolivia) |
| Catholicism Introduced: | |
| Church Status: | Active |
| Historic: | Yes |
| Official Languages: | |
| Notable Catholic Sites: | Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana), shrine housing the image of Our Lady of Copacabana |
| Catholicism Status: | — |
| Website: | None |
Copacabana is a town in the Manco Kapac Province of the La Paz Department in western Bolivia, situated on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca near the border with Peru. As of recent estimates (around 2006–2024), the town has a population of approximately 6,000 inhabitants (with the broader municipality at 17,463 as of 2024). It is one of Bolivia's most important Catholic pilgrimage centers, home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana, a 17th-century Moorish-style shrine that houses the venerated image of Our Lady of Copacabana (Virgen de Copacabana or Virgen de la Candelaria), patroness of Bolivia.
History
Copacabana's history is deeply intertwined with Inca sacred sites and the subsequent development of Marian devotion in the colonial period.
Early settlement
The peninsula of Copacabana was sacred to the Incas, serving as a port for pilgrimages to the Islands of the Sun and Moon in Lake Titicaca. An Inca Temple of the Sun existed prior to the Spanish conquest.[1]
Catholic evangelization
After the Spanish conquest, the site transitioned to Christian use. In the late 16th century (around 1576–1583), indigenous sculptor Francisco Tito Yupanqui (Tito Yupanqui), a descendant of Inca nobility, carved a dark-wood image of the Virgin Mary (approximately four feet tall) after reportedly being inspired by visions or devotion. According to historical accounts, the image was placed in a simple chapel in 1583, which was enlarged in 1619. Miracles were soon attributed to the intercession of the Virgin, leading to widespread devotion across Bolivia and Peru. The present Moorish-style basilica was built between 1550 and 1679 (completed 1679, consecrated later), replacing earlier structures. Pope Pius XII raised the shrine to minor basilica status in 1940 via the decree Bolivianæ Ditionis Intra. Our Lady of Copacabana was proclaimed patroness of Bolivia, and the shrine became a major center of Marian pilgrimage.
Modern faith life
The Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana remains Bolivia's most visited pilgrimage site. Pilgrimages draw large crowds, especially in August (major festivals) and on February 2 (Candelaria). Recent reports indicate over 50,000 pilgrims in some August events, with the shrine under the Diocese of El Alto. Bolivia remains predominantly Catholic, and devotion to the "Dark Virgin" (Virgen Morena) reflects syncretic elements of indigenous and Christian faith.
Geography and demographics
Copacabana is built between Mount Calvario and Mount Niño Calvario on the shores of Lake Titicaca, with coordinates at -16.167, -69.083 and an elevation of 3,841 meters (12,602 ft). It has a high-altitude climate. The town covers approximately 6.4 km². Population around 6,000 (town proper; municipality 17,463 in 2024). Catholic demographics reflect Bolivia's strong Catholic majority (historically high), with the basilica central to local and national devotion.
Parishes
Copacabana falls under the Diocese of El Alto. The Basilica functions as a major shrine and pilgrimage church, with pastoral care integrated locally.
Notable sites include:
- Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana — minor basilica housing the miraculous image of Our Lady of Copacabana.
For the complete and up-to-date list of parishes in the Diocese of El Alto, consult the official diocesan resources or related Church directories.
Government and culture
Copacabana is governed as part of Manco Kapac Province. Culturally, the basilica dominates, with its Moorish architecture, the venerated dark-wood statue, and annual pilgrimages featuring processions and festivals. The site attracts pilgrims from Bolivia, Peru, and beyond, blending Catholic devotion with local Aymara traditions.
Notable Catholic figures
- Our Lady of Copacabana (Virgen de Copacabana / Virgen de la Candelaria), venerated since the late 16th century for attributed miracles and graces; patroness of Bolivia (proclaimed by the Holy See).
Dynamic content
Saints
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Parishes
This list of parishes dynamically from the data in the Parishes cargo table. No results
Related
- Bolivia
- La Paz Department
- Diocese of El Alto
- Our Lady of Copacabana
- Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana