The exhibition Círio: Celebration in Motion opens the festivities marking the 40th anniversary of the Círio Museum.
More than a celebration, this exhibition seeks to invite both locals and tourists to co-create this new museum, which will showcase a wide range of diverse expressions that shape cultural forces behind the Círio celebration.
This exhibition was conceived as a bridge between past, present, and future, starting at the transformative movement the museum is undergoing. From this moment on, the museum embarks on a significant journey of renewal—through architectural preservation, safeguarding of traditions, and promotion of this festivity that is part of the cultural identity of Pará, Brazil, and the world.
We invite the community, the tourism sector, public and private institutions to join this movement in support of making this project a reality—one that broadens the cultural scope of the Círio de Nazaré.
The challenge of the new museum is to convey the vibrant energy that pulses around the Círio celebration, transcending the religious aspect and highlighting its diverse, plural, festive, and cultural dimensions. It aims to emotionally engage both the people of Pará and visitors alike with the symbolic depth of this Cultural Heritage.
Don’t mind the scaffolding—the movement begins now!
#vemaionovomuseudocírio
INSTITUTO SOTAQUES E MUSEU DO CÍRIO
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The Círio de Nazaré and its cultural traditions
Belém of Pará has hosted the Círio de Nazaré every year since 1793, which is one of the biggest religious events in Brazil and attracts millions of believers in devotion to Our Lady of Nazare. The word "candle" comes from the Latin term cereus, which means 'candle' or "torch", referring to a large candle. In addition to its religious significance, the Cirio is also a significant cultural event that brings together faith, music, cuisine, art, and unique folk traditions. The first edition of the Círio took place on the afternoon of 8 September 1793. The morning version would only be held in 1854, due to the traditional afternoon rains in Belém. Since then, the Círio has become an increasingly contagious and inclusive event, shaping, modernizing and expanding over time through various popular representations, its dissemination through tourists, newspaper reports, television broadcasts, and a growing number of processions that have been added to this festival. No wonder it is one of the largest religious events in the world, gathering about 2 million people every year on the second Sunday of October in Belém do Pará, but with local celebrations in many towns of the state, in several States and cities of Brazil, as well as in some European countries. Several elements make up this celebration, each with its own history, symbolism and meaning for the devotees.
*Curiosity: In 2004, the festival also won the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage by Iphan (National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute). And, in 2013, declared a World Heritage humanity by UNESCO.
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The first Círio procession took place on the afternoon of September 8, 1793. The morning version of the procession would only be held starting in 1854, due to the traditional evening rains in Belém.
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Initially, the Círio took place between the months of September and November, with no specific date. Only in 1901 did Bishop Dom Francisco de Rego Maia officially establish the second Sunday of October as the official date for the grand procession.
The procession of the Círio de Nazaré begins at the Igreja da Sé, or the Church of Our Lady of Grace of Pará, a religious temple inaugurated in 1771 and listed as a heritage site by Iphan. After a mass at the cathedral, the image of Our Lady of Nazaré departs in procession, followed by hundreds of thousands of people.
After hours of a sweaty and emotional procession through the streets of Belém, the Círio ends where it all officially began: the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazaré. The temple was built in 1852 on the same site where Plácido José de Souza found the image of Our Lady of Nazaré, on the banks of the Murucutú stream.
The current construction of the Basilica dates back to 1909 and has undergone several renovations to accommodate the growing number of devotees. Nowadays, the imposing neoclassical church has five naves divided by 36 Italian granite columns. The faithful tie colorful ribbons—similar to those of Senhor do Bonfim in Bahia—onto its iron gates, making prayer requests to Our Lady. In 2006, the Basilica of Nazaré was elevated to the status of Sanctuary. In 2004, the celebration was also granted the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage by Iphan (the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage). In 2013, it was declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
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The rope of the Círio was first introduced into the procession in 1855, as a means to pull the cart carrying the image of Our Lady of Nazaré, due to overflowing waters from the Guajará Bay in the Ver-o-Peso area. This element was only officially incorporated in 1868.
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The "berlinda" (cart) was introduced to the procession in 1882, following a suggestion by Bishop Dom Macêdo Costa. Until 1854, the image of Our Lady of Nazaré was carried in the arms of a chaplain from the Government Palace in a palanquin, supported by four or six men.
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In 1969, a replica of the original image of Our Lady of Nazaré was sculpted. Known popularly as the Pilgrim Image (Imagem Peregrina), it depicts a woman and child in the caboclo (mixed-race Amazonian) style, representing the Amazonian people.
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This image began to be used in the Círio processions, including the grand procession, and was restored in 2002. The original image, known as the Imagem Original, is kept in the Basilica Sanctuary in the Gloria of the Main Altar and is brought down on only two occasions: in May, for the celebrations of the Basilica’s elevation to Sanctuary status, and in October, during the Nazarene season.
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The original image has only left the Basilica three times: in 1980, during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Belém, when he blessed the faithful from the Archbishop’s window in Praça da Sé; in 1992, during the 200th anniversary of the Círio de Nazaré, when it replaced the Pilgrim Image in the procession; and in 2021, when it unexpectedly appeared to bless the faithful gathered outside during the descent ceremony.
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The Posters of the Círio
The Círio posters emerged in the mid-19th century as a way to promote the festival. The tradition began in 1826, when the first poster was made in Portugal, evolving into photographic images and thematic illustrations that have become a hallmark of the celebration.
Over time, the posters became devotional objects, collected and treasured by the faithful. Each year, the poster features an official image of the saint, highlighting the year, the cloak she will wear in the processions, and a theme. It is then distributed to families, who display it in their homes, shops, and vehicles—creating a true wave of faith that spreads across the city. For many, putting up the poster is a way of receiving blessings and spiritually preparing their homes for the Círio. In addition to the official version, customized posters made by devotees transform it into an emotional keepsake, reinforcing the bond between faith and tradition.
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The Faith and Devotion of the People of Pará
At the heart of all these traditions lies the faith of the people of Pará. For devotees, the Círio is a moment to give thanks for blessings received, ask for protection, and renew hope. This devotion goes beyond religiosity—it mobilizes entire families, transforms the city, and creates an atmosphere of solidarity, sharing, joy, and above all, festivity. The religious tradition is expressed in the intimacy with which they treat the Virgin Mary, in the decoration of homes with altars and posters, in the massive participation in all the processions, and in the change in the city's atmosphere, with a noticeable influx of devotees from the countryside, from other Brazilian states and cities, and even from other countries, as well as various authorities. This reflects a deep and emotional connection with the patron saint.
Many people prepare all year to take part—whether by holding the rope, walking in the processions, participating in cultural events, or simply following the image. With all the gatherings, events, and widespread engagement, it’s no surprise that the Círio is known as the “Christmas of the people of Pará.” This union of faith and popular culture makes the Círio much more than a religious event—it’s a collective spiritual and festive experience that reaffirms the identity and strength of the Amazonian people.
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The Mantles of the Círio
One of the most significant elements of the Círio is the mantle that adorns the image of Our Lady of Nazaré. The tradition of the Círio mantle is longstanding and has evolved into an annual piece, designed by artists and embroiderers to reflect the theme of the year, the values of Mary, and the relationship between the festival and faith. In the early 20th century, the mantles were crafted from materials donated by the faithful who had made promises and were entrusted to religious figures such as Sister Esther Paes França of the Congregation of the Daughters of Saint Anne, who upheld the tradition for 19 years. The design, colors, and embroidery of the mantle are inspired by that year’s Círio theme, incorporating elements that symbolize religious messages and devotion. The mantle symbolizes Mary’s royalty and is always rich in detail, embroidery, and symbolism, honoring the faith and culture of Pará. After the Círio, the mantle is preserved as a relic.
The annual mantle is worn by the Pilgrim Image, which participates in the processions, and not by the original image, which remains safeguarded in the Basilica Sanctuary. The unveiling of the Círio mantle takes place just a few days before the procession, at 6 PM, during a mass at the Basilica Sanctuary of Nazaré in Belém. This ceremony is one of the most anticipated moments for devotees and reveals the mantle that will be worn by the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Nazaré during the Círio processions.
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Ex-votos: Testimonies of Faith and Devotion
Ex-votos are among the most powerful expressions of faith and devotion during the Círio de Nazaré. They represent promises made and graces received by devotees, rooted deeply in popular Catholic tradition—especially among the followers of Our Lady of Nazaré in Belém do Pará. The term "ex-voto" comes from the Latin ex voto suscepto, meaning “from a fulfilled vow.” These are objects offered by the faithful in gratitude for a blessing or as part of a promise.
In the context of the Círio, ex-votos symbolize a deeply personal relationship between the devotee and Our Lady. They take various forms, often representing the healing or grace received: wax or wooden sculptures mimicking human body parts (hearts, heads, arms, legs) associated with physical cures; miniatures of houses, cars, boats, or other items symbolizing material achievements or requests for protection; and photographs, letters, and personal items, all carrying intimate stories of faith.
Some devotees walk—or even go on their knees—throughout the procession to the Basilica carrying ex-votos in their hands or tied to their bodies, as public testimony of their devotion. Each ex-voto tells a story: of healing from illness, an avoided accident, or a personal, familial, or professional achievement. They are manifestations of gratitude, hope, and belief in the intercession of Our Lady of Nazaré.
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The Círio Rope
The Círio rope is one of the most well-known symbols of the procession. Its use began in the 19th century when, during the passage through the Ver-o-Peso market, the palanquin carrying the image of the Virgin became stuck due to heavy rains. Someone brought a rope so that the people could help pull Our Lady and allow the procession to continue. This initiative sparked a sense of unity and belonging, offering a way to assist the berlinda (the vehicle carrying the image of the Virgin) through the dense crowd.
Over time, the rope went beyond its practical function and gained spiritual meaning: pulling it became an act of penance and gratitude. Today, thousands of devotees—men and women—compete for a place on the rope during both the Trasladação and the main procession. They pull the rope to fulfill promises, make requests, express their devotion, and at the end, as a memento of their faith, cut off a piece to keep as a sacred souvenir.
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The Trasladação
The Trasladação of the Círio de Nazaré is one of the most emblematic processions of the pilgrimages. It takes place on Saturday night, the day before the main procession. The word "transladação" means "change of place," "transportation of something or someone from one point to another." It represents the transfer from the Basilica Sanctuary to the Cathedral Church. It symbolizes a kind of vigil, a spiritual preparation, a moment of contemplation and more intimate reflection before the grandeur and explosion of popular faith that occurs on Sunday. The trasladação also carries a strong symbolic appeal: the image of the Virgin of Nazareth appears illuminated and walks through under the city lights, amid candles, songs, and tears of the faithful, illuminating the path of her devotees, like a "Star of the Night." Interesting fact: In 1988, the Trasladação started to follow the same route as the Círio, but in the opposite direction, whereas before it followed a different route to the Cathedral. It is also called the Procession of Lights.
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Official Processions
The religious demonstrations of devotion now span fifteen days during the so-called Quadra Nazarena. Among the main highlights are:
Road Transfer – Ananindeua and Marituba
On the Friday before the Círio, the image of Our Lady of Nazaré leaves the Basilica Sanctuary and is transported in a Federal Police vehicle through the streets of Belém, Ananindeua, and Marituba. The image is escorted by media, municipal and state security forces, ambulances, firefighters, buses, and countless devotees on foot, by bicycle, or in decorated cars.
Since: 1992
Motorcycle Pilgrimage (Motorromaria)
After the arrival of the Fluvial Procession, the image is escorted by groups of motorcyclists to the Gentil Bittencourt School. This is one of the fastest processions, as it includes no stops for tributes.
Since: 1990
Trasladação (Night Procession)
Recognized as the world’s largest nighttime religious procession. It begins at the Gentil Bittencourt School and follows the reverse path of the Sunday Círio. The candlelit route creates a stunning visual effect.
Since: 1793
Cycling Pilgrimage (Ciclo-Romaria)
On the Saturday following the main processions, cyclists honor Our Lady of Nazaré by riding through the streets of Belém.
Since: 2004
Youth Pilgrimage (Romaria da Juventude)
Held the Saturday after the Círio, this procession is organized by youth communities and includes a parish host each year. Key symbols include youth joy and a missionary cross introduced in 2012.
Since: 2001
Children’s Pilgrimage (Romaria das Crianças)
Held on the third Sunday of October, children honor Our Lady in a shorter route starting and ending at Praça Santuário, accompanied by the Angel and Promise carts.
Since: 1990
Runner’s Pilgrimage (Romaria dos Corredores)
Held on the last Saturday of the festivities. Runners pay tribute in a non-competitive 8–9 km trot-like run.
Since: 2014
Accessibility Pilgrimage (Romaria da Acessibilidade)
Takes place right after the runners' pilgrimage. It is organized by associations of people with disabilities in a short and symbolic route.
Since: 2023
Recírio (Closing Procession)
The shortest of all processions, held on the Monday morning after the Círio. It marks the last time the image of Our Lady of Nazaré is taken to the streets. Marked by thousands of waving scarves, prayers, and a tribute by the Guarda de Nazaré.
Since: 1859
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The Festival Of Nazaré
The festive, fair-like atmosphere, or Arraial, with rides and food stalls, combines religious observance with popular entertainment. It is one of the oldest and most traditional cultural events accompanying the great religious festival of Belém do Pará. Held in parallel with the pilgrimages, this festival is located in an area next to the Basilica Sanctuary of Nazaré, transforming it into a space for meeting, leisure, and social interaction during the Círio period. The first editions of the festival date back to the emergence of the Círio, when the o Círio began to gain momentum. Inspired by the old Portuguese festivals, the space was created to offer the faithful, visitors, and residents a program of popular entertainment, commerce, and cultural presentations. Gradually, the festival became an inseparable part of the celebration, representing the festive and community side of the Círio with stalls selling traditional food, toys, and entertainment, a craft and religious products market, and cultural stages. The festival is much more than a leisure space: it symbolizes the union between faith and celebration, spirituality and popular culture. It is a time when families, friends, and visitors can get together, have fun, sample typical cuisine, enjoy local artists, and celebrate the identity of Pará.
Interesting fact: An interesting fact about the Arraial de Nazaré is that it began as a large agricultural fair organized by the governor in 1793, during the first edition of the Círio, taking advantage of the intense flow of pilgrims after the discovery of the image of Our Lady of Nazareth.
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Auto do Círio (Cirio’s play)
The Auto do Círio is a scenic procession held on the eve of the Círio, blending theater, music, and dance to tell stories linked to faith, Amazonian culture, and the very origin of the Círio de Nazaré. Inspired by the traditions of medieval plays, the event winds through the streets of Belém's historical center, involving local artists, theater groups, musicians, and communities. It is a way to celebrate religiosity while also valuing the city's folk art and cultural heritage. The procession takes place on Saturday, after the arrival of the Círio Fluvial. It brings local forest rhythms to the streets, such as the Retumbão, the Mazurca, and the Carimbó, with the participation of hundreds of revelers (dancers) and musicians in a kind of large open-air theater.
*Curiosity: It began as an extension project of the UFPA School of Theater and Dance in 1993, with the goal of involving artists and devotees of Belém in the celebration of the saint.
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Culinary Tradition
The Cirio de Nazaré is also a major gastronomic celebration. Families in Pará usually prepare a special lunch on Círio Sunday, bringing together relatives and friends. The main dish is duck in tucupi sauce, accompanied by maniçoba (a type of bean-free feijoada whose main ingredients are maniva (manioc), ground cassava leaves, jerky, sausage, bacon, and pork), along with rice, farofa (farofa), and other typical Amazonian delicacies. This tradition symbolizes sharing, the meeting of Portuguese, Indigenous, and African gastronomic cultures, and the strengthening of family bonds, transforming the lunch table into a space for collective celebration.
*Interesting Fact: The leaves of the wild cassava, called Maniva, contain hydrocyanic acid, a substance that is deadly to the human body, especially if left unprocessed. The preparation of maniçoba involves cooking the maniva for at least seven days without interruption. This long cooking process is essential for eliminating the toxin.
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Miriti Toys
Miriti toys are one of the most beloved symbols of the Círio. Made from miriti, a palm tree typical of the Amazon region, they are handcrafted, colorful, and lightweight, representing the Amazonian imagery through animals, boats, characters, and scenes from daily riverside life. Sold at fairs, squares, and artisanal trade spaces, these toys delight children and adults alike and have become a cultural icon of the Círio. Besides being playful objects, they represent the livelihood of many artisan families and help preserve traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Miriti toys are a cultural heritage of Pará due to their strong connection to Pará culture, especially the Círio de Nazaré, and are an expression of the art and tradition of the Amazonian people that harks back to the heritage of the Pará people.
*Interesting fact: Miriti toys are a traditional craft from Pará, especially from the city of Abaetetuba (located in the lower Tocantins region, northeastern Pará), and are made with the light fiber of the buriti palm tree, known as the "tree of life" for indigenous peoples.
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The Chiquita Festival
The Chiquita Festival is one of the most irreverent Círio celebrations. Created in the late 1970s, it began as a relaxed gathering of friends at Praça da República, after the Trasladação (The night Círio). Today, it is a grand celebration of diversity, marked by electronic music performances, performances, and colorful costumes. On stage, we see a mix of rhythms such as tecnobrega, carimbó, and guitarrada, as well as artistic performances. The festival is known for its joyful atmosphere and the presence of the LGBTQIA+ community, who embrace this moment with their own way of honoring Our Lady of Nazareth, becoming a space of resistance, inclusion, and freedom within the Círio celebrations. It is a celebration marked by irreverence, music, and color.
*Curiosity: The festival was created in 1978, initially called "Filhas da Chiquita" or "Festa da Maria Chiquita." The name is a reference to the character Chiquita Bacana, from the carnival march, and its reinterpretation by Caetano Veloso singer, "A Filha da Chiquita Bacana"
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The Arraial do Pavulagem
Another cultural highlight is the Arraial do Pavulagem, a group that performs musical performances and parades during the Círio festival. This is a cultural, musical, and festive procession that takes place on nearby dates, with a highlight being the Arrastão do Círio, which runs through the streets of downtown Belém. Using regional rhythms such as siriá, carimbó, boi-bumbá, and marujada toadas, the group celebrates Amazonian culture and faith with the participation of giant puppets.
The boi-bumbá, June birds, and figures from popular culture also join forces in this celebration that combines tradition and modernity. The aim is to celebrate popular culture and bring the public closer to Amazonian musicality, creating a festive atmosphere that complements the religious solemnity.
A truly joyful parade marked by plenty of dancing, music, stilts, vibrant colors, and regional sounds, creating a beautiful cultural mosaic of the Amazon.
*Curiosity: The word "arraial" refers to a place for popular festivals, while pavulagem" comes from "peacock," meaning something beautiful and pompous. In the vernacular of Pará, it can also describe someone who likes to show off.
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The Círio Fluvial
The Círio Fluvial is one of the most moving processions of the Círio period. It's called the "Cirio of the Waters." Departing from the Icoaraci pier to the steps of the port pier at Estação das Docas, it's a journey of about 10 nautical miles—the equivalent of 18,500 km—and takes approximately two hours. Held on the Saturday before the main procession, it carries the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Nazareth through the waters of Guajará Bay, surrounded by hundreds of decorated boats. This tradition began in 1986, organized by the Paraense Tourism Company (Paratur) under the direction of the historian called Carlos Rocque, as a way to include riverside residents and workers from the region's islands in the saint's tributes. Nowadays, the Círio Fluvial is a spectacle of faith and beauty, with decorated boats, songs, and prayers that transform the bay into a veritable river of devotion.
*Interesting fact: The vessels are adorned with a wide variety of decorations, and the Navy holds a competition for the ornamentation.
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The exhibition Círio: Festa em Movimento offered a glimpse into the universe of this grand celebration held by the people of Pará every October.
In 2026, the new Círio Museum will be born — a space of stories, ideas, and voices of our people.
What would you like to see, and what must not be missing from the new Círio Museum?
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The Círio de Nazaré arises from people´s faith in Our Lady, but it goes beyond religious boundaries or social classes. It is devotion that moves crowds, a living memory of the people of Pará, a gathering of stories, promises, songs, and hopes. It is a unique moment where faith, culture, and tradition blend together and embrace everyone.
We want to collect memories for the new Círio Museum. And your story can also be part of it.
Would you like to join us and share your connection with the Círio?
