An unusual religious celebration took place in Bolvia on Tuesday, as thousands of Catholics gathered to smash rocks in the hopes of winning some luck.

Every year, in the third week of August, Bolivian Catholics meet on the outskirts of La Paz, a cultural centre in the west of the country. There, they collect river rocks and try to break them.

The rite is performed to call for blessings as part of the the festival of the Virgin of Urkupiña.

Legend has it that Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd girl to instruct her to take rocks from this dried river that miraculously turned into silver when she reached home, pulling her family out of poverty.

Pilgrims strike rocks to try to similarly improve their fortunes.

When a rock is easily split, they believe their wish will be soon fulfilled. If they have more difficulty striking and splitting the rock, it will take more time.

"You can ask for a house, a car, all your wishes are fulfilled," said believer Ricardo Tarqui. "I broke the rock with a second blow and in a third attempt. I have been able to buy a house and also a car."

Lots of other activities take place as part of the festival, including a huge parade and a central Mass.

While Bolivia is a largely Roman Catholic country, it has kept its strong indigenous roots.

This unique ritual, mixing Catholic and local culture, is popular with pilgrims from around the country and abroad. Nearly half a million people travel to the region for the celebration each year.

Additional reporting by Reuters.