What is the Cirio de Nazare in Belem? Brazil's largest Catholic event
- Rachel
- Sep 14
- 6 min read
Círio de Nazaré (The Taper of Our Lady of Nazareth), is a Roman Catholic religious event held annually in Belém, the capital of the state of Pará in northern Brazil. It honours Nossa Senhora de Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazareth), who is one of the most revered Marian figures in the country.
The event takes place on the second Sunday in October and is considered one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting around two million participants each year.
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When is Círio de Nazaré?
While the main procession on Sunday is the focal point, the celebrations actually start in August and run until fifteen days after the main procession. The celebrations begin with preliminary events such as the Trasladação (transfer procession) and end with the Recírio, when the statue is returned to the basilica.
More information for the 2025 event will be released can be found on the Cirio de Nazare official Instagram in the lead up to the event.
Origins and History of Cirio de Nazare
The origins of Círio de Nazaré date back to 1793, when the first procession was organised by the then Bishop of Pará, Dom Frei João Evangelista de Lima. However, the devotion to Our Lady of Nazareth began earlier, around 1700, when a caboclo (a man of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) named Plácido José de Souza reportedly found a statue of Our Lady of Nazareth near a stream close to what is now Belém. According to local tradition, the statue kept returning to the same location after being removed, which was interpreted as a divine sign to build a chapel there.
This chapel later evolved into the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, which remains the central point of the religious activities during Círio de Nazaré.
The Main Círio Procession
The main event of Círio de Nazaré is the Círio Procession, held on the second Sunday of October. It begins at 7:00 am at the Sé Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace) in the Cidade Velha neighbourhood and ends at the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth in the Nazaré neighbourhood. The route is approximately 3.6 kilometres long but often takes 6 to 10 hours to complete due to the large crowds.
The image of Our Lady of Nazareth is placed in a decorated carriage called the berlinda, which is pulled by thousands of devotees using a thick nylon rope known as the corda. The rope is approximately 400 metres long and is divided into sections, each held tightly by pilgrims fulfilling vows or making petitions. Many walk barefoot or on their knees as acts of penance. The procession includes clergy, laypeople, volunteers, and various religious groups.
The entire route is marked by moments of collective prayer, hymns, and the release of balloons and paper petals. The procession concludes when the statue arrives at the basilica, which becomes the centre of further celebrations and religious observances.
Other Processions and Events for the Círio de Nazaré
Leading up to and following the main Círio procession, there are several other processions and events, each with specific religious and cultural significance.
Círio of the Sick and Elderly (Usually the week before the Círio)
Organised in hospitals or churches, this version of the procession is tailored for people with health conditions and mobility limitations. The statue is brought to hospital wards and long-term care facilities. Masses and blessings are held in accessible locations to ensure inclusivity.
Motorcycle Procession (Friday before the Círio)
Held on the Friday before the Círio, the motorcycle procession begins at the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth and ends at a designated gathering point such as a military or civic square. Riders, many of whom wear religious garments or carry symbols of faith, follow the statue of the Virgin on motorcycles. It reflects a modern expression of devotion among younger and urban populations.
Transfer Procession from Icoaraci (Friday before the Romaria Fluvial)
This land-based procession occurs before the river procession. The statue is carried from the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazareth in Icoaraci to the pier, where it will be placed on the boat for the fluvial procession. This event allows participation from residents of outlying areas and serves as the beginning of the statue’s journey back to the city centre.
Romaria Fluvial (Saturday morning before the Círio)
This river procession takes place on the Saturday morning preceding the Círio. It begins at the Icoaraci district and follows a route across the Guajará Bay to the port of Belém. The statue is transported on a large decorated vessel accompanied by a fleet of smaller boats. It commemorates the strong connection between the Amazon region’s river communities and the devotion to Our Lady of Nazareth.
Trasladação (Saturday night before the Círio)
This is the second most important procession. It takes place the night before the main Círio and follows the reverse route, from the Basilica to the Sé Cathedral. It is held after a Mass at the basilica and begins at approximately 5:00 pm. Unlike the main Círio, it is held in near silence and lit mostly by candles carried by participants. The Trasladação has a reflective and solemn tone and symbolises the preparation of the faithful to receive Our Lady the following morning.
Children’s Círio (Second Sunday after the main Círio)
This event is held on the Sunday following the main Círio and is designed for children and families. It includes a shorter route, usually under two kilometres, and features the participation of schools, family groups and community associations. The goal is to educate younger generations about the religious and cultural values associated with the Círio.
Recírio (15 days after the Círio)
The Recírio marks the formal end of the Círio period. The statue is returned from a temporary outdoor altar near the Basilica to its permanent position inside. The procession occurs in the evening and is attended mostly by local residents. It includes prayers and songs of thanksgiving.
Music and Rituals at the Círio de Nazaré
The event features specific religious hymns and chants dedicated to Our Lady of Nazareth. The most recognised hymn is the Hino Oficial do Círio de Nazaré, played during many of the processions. Traditional Catholic liturgical music is common throughout the Masses held during the festival period.
While there is no single style of secular music associated with the event, local cultural expressions including carimbó and other Amazonian rhythms are performed in public spaces during the celebrations outside the religious context.
Attire and Devotional Objects
There is no formal dress code, but many participants wear T-shirts with images of Our Lady of Nazareth or messages of gratitude. These are often sold as souvenirs and worn during the event. Many participants walk barefoot as an act of penance. Some carry candles or personal religious artefacts such as rosaries and medallions. The berlinda is traditionally decorated with yellow and white flowers, the official colours of the Vatican.
Food and Local Traditions
The festival is also associated with traditional foods from the Pará region. Typical dishes consumed during the Círio include:
Pato no tucupi: Duck served in a yellow broth made from manioc juice and jambu leaves.
Maniçoba: A stew made from manioc leaves, salted pork and various smoked meats.
Tacacá: A soup made from jambu, tucupi, dried shrimp and tapioca gum, served in a gourd.
During the event, food stalls are common along the processional routes and in surrounding areas. These often serve regional fruits, sweets and street food.
Impact of the Círio de Nazaré Event in Belem
Círio de Nazaré has a significant impact on the local economy and social structure of Belém. It attracts religious tourists from other parts of Brazil and abroad. Hotels, restaurants and street vendors report high activity. The event also fosters community participation through volunteer work, charity activities and public services.
In 2013, UNESCO inscribed Círio de Nazaré on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The designation recognised the event’s role in maintaining religious, social and cultural continuity in the region.
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