Thousands of Bolivians join rock-breaking in search of luck

(Baonghean.vn) - Every year, in the third week of August, thousands of Bolivian Catholics gather in the suburbs of the capital La Paz to participate in a ritual to pray for good luck by... breaking rocks.

A woman tries to break a rock with a sledgehammer during a festival for good luck. Reuters photo

This ritual is performed on a dried-up river in the Urkupina region to ask the Virgin Mary for blessings and good luck.

According to legend, a poor shepherd girl was once visited by the Virgin Mary and was instructed to go to this dried-up river, break rocks and bring them back. Miraculously, the rocks turned into gold and silver when the girl returned home.

Hoping for a similar miracle, Bolivians believe that breaking stones in this dry river will change their fortunes.

On August 17, pilgrims flocked to this area to break rocks, perform rituals and take home their favorite piece of rock.

It is believed that when a rock is easily split, their wish will soon come true.

"You can pray for a house, a car, all your wishes will be fulfilled," said festival participant Ricardo Tarqui.

"I broke the rock with three chops. I believe I can buy a house or a car," Ricardo hoped.

Bolivia is a large Roman Catholic country and is also home to many ancient cultural identities.

The unique tradition of “smashing rocks for luck” combines Catholicism with indigenous culture, creating an interesting highlight for many pilgrims from within and outside Bolivia.

Lam Vy

(According to Reuters)