Basilica of Our Lady of Miracles, Caacupe

Every year on December 8, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, pilgrims flock to this church, by walking from Asuncion. Exhausted, they use the bathrooms and showers provided, then commence a celebration that includes fireworks and candlelit processions and bottle dancers (women who weave around with bottles on their heads!) Cristian, my guide, did the pilgrimmage once but said, 'Nunca mas!' because his legs hurt for three days after!