Quillacollo celebrates Urkupiña's central mass, drawing authorities and thousands of faithful

Quillacollo, Bolivia, became the focal point for thousands of faithful and government officials who converged for the central mass of the annual Virgen de Urkupiña festival. The religious ceremony, held at the San Ildefonso temple, commenced at 11:00 AM and represents a key event in a celebration that draws pilgrims and visitors from across Bolivia and internationally each year.

Among the dignitaries present were Quillacollo Mayor Luis Santa Cruz, Cochabamba Mayor Manfred Reyes Villa, President of the Chamber of Deputies Roberto Castro, and former president Tuto Quiroga, alongside other municipal, departmental, and national authorities. President Rodrigo Paz, whose attendance had been confirmed, did not arrive by the start of the mass, despite being part of the planned schedule for central festivities.

The religious observance is followed by the traditional procession of the Virgin's image through the main streets of Quillacollo. Hundreds of devotees participate, fulfilling promises and demonstrating their faith. This procession is a continuation of the vibrant festivities, which included the "Gran Entrada Folclórica" the day prior. That event saw over 80,000 dancers from 84 groups parade along a route exceeding four kilometers through the city.

Celebrations are set to continue on Sunday, August 16th, with the customary trek to Cerro de Cota. This pilgrimage attracts thousands, guiding them from central Quillacollo to the site revered by devotees as sacred.