Setur presents the 38th edition of the Carlos Rocque Award, a boat decoration contest
In 2025, the expectation is that around 250 boats will participate in the procession, which covers a route of 10 nautical miles through the Guajará Bay, departing from the Icoaraci pier to the steps of the port dock in Belém.
On this Tuesday (23), the State Secretariat of Tourism (Setur) launched the 38th edition of the Boat Decoration Contest of the River Círio, the Carlos Rocque Award, at the Command of the 4th Naval District. At the event, the identification flag of the contest was unveiled, which officially integrates the festival's calendar. On this occasion, the Brazilian Navy presented the navigation and safety rules for the water pilgrimage.
Created in 1986 by journalist Carlos Rocque, then president of the Pará Tourism Company (Paratur), the River Círio emerged to honor the Queen of the Amazon and, at the same time, promote religious tourism in Pará. Since then, it has become one of the most significant manifestations of the Nazarene season, being today the fifth oldest in the pilgrimage circuit. In 2025, the expectation is that around 250 boats will participate in the procession, which covers a route of 10 nautical miles through the Guajará Bay, departing from the Icoaraci pier to the steps of the port dock in Belém.
The Secretary of Tourism of Pará, Eduardo Costa, highlighted the cultural and identity dimension of the River Pilgrimage. "It is part of the identity of the people of Pará, it is the culture, it is the tradition that comes to the fore and the pride of being from Pará. This event marks the beginning of the Marian season, which is also the peak tourist season in the State, when hotels are at full capacity and we have the opportunity to showcase our riches, gastronomy, culture, and hospitality," he stated.
Eduardo Costa also emphasized the legacy of the journalist who originated the event: "Carlos Rocque had the sensitivity to create a procession that reflected the essence of the riverside dwellers, as Belém is not only crossed by rivers but lives in them as part of its identity."
The Brazilian Navy will be responsible for coordinating the navigation and safety rules. Vice Admiral Adriano Batista, commander of the 4th Naval District, reinforced that teamwork is essential to ensure the tranquility of the participants. "The union of efforts is what ensures the success of the Círio. Our greatest concern is that all the faithful participate safely and return home in peace. The River Círio is one of the most significant religious events in the world, and this year, as it precedes COP30, it will have even more symbolism for Belém, which already demonstrates the capacity to host large events," he stated.
Captain of the Sea and War Alexandre Batista Pimentel presented in detail the guidelines that must be followed by the boats. Registration is free and mandatory, and can be done until October 3, at the Captaincy of Ports of Eastern Amazon or online. Among the highlighted rules are: mandatory use of life jackets for boats without cabins, prohibition of transporting children under seven years old in small boats, prohibition of practicing water sports during the pilgrimage, and respect for the isolation of the boat that carries the image of Our Lady of Nazareth. The need to avoid overcrowding was also emphasized, under the risk of removal or seizure of the boat.
During the route, teams from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) and military personnel will be on board, in addition to the presence of ambulances on land and air support. The route will also have eight emergency docking points. In case of any incident, participants should call maritime channel 16, designated for emergencies.
The board of the Nazaré Festival reinforced the importance of the partnership with the Navy to ensure the success of the event. Coordinator Antônio Sousa reminded that all decisions regarding the River Pilgrimage are made in accordance with Navy regulations. "It is one of the most delicate processions and, therefore, treated with such care. Safety is a priority, so that faith and devotion can manifest fully," he stated.
More than a religious act, the River Círio is one of the main tourist attractions in Pará, mobilizing riverside communities, sector operators, and thousands of faithful. With a tradition strengthened for almost four decades, the Círio das Águas is an attraction of religious and cultural tourism, while symbolizing the union between faith, identity, and Amazonian hospitality. "Everyone will have their moment of faith, everyone will have their moment of contemplation of the Saint, and everyone will return home safely," concluded Vice Admiral Adriano Batista.
