Governor of Pará attends Círio Fluvial and celebrates faith in the waters of Belém
Procession gathers thousands of faithful; Government of Pará reinforces security and logistical support during the route
Governor Helder Barbalho attended, on the morning of this Saturday (11), the Círio Fluvial, one of the most emotional expressions of faith of the people of Pará. Aboard the Garnier Sampaio ship of the Brazilian Navy, the head of the state executive participated in the procession that carried the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Nazaré from the new Icoaraci Tourist Hydroviary Terminal to the Escadinha da Estação das Docas, covering a distance of 18.5 kilometers. The event gathered around 50,000 people and more than 400 vessels.
“The Círio on the waters translates the identity of the people of Pará: riverside dwellers, devotees, and caretakers of the forest. Today, we celebrate faith, unity, and hope,” emphasized Governor Helder Barbalho during the river transfer.
The faith of the pilgrims set the tone of the morning on the waters of the Guajará Bay. Among the thousands of devotees, Elizabeth Espindola, 75 years old, a public servant, followed the arrival of the image at the Escadinha da Estação das Docas.
“I have been coming here for many years. I have been emotional since 6 AM, waiting for Our Lady to arrive. I hope She blesses all of us, people of Pará,” she stated.
Three pilgrimages on the same morning
The Saturday of Círio brought together three major official processions. The Road Pilgrimage, organized by the Nazaré Festival Directorate in partnership with the Federal Highway Police (PRF) and various public agencies, traveled along BR-316, Augusto Montenegro highway, Oito de Setembro street, and Dr. Lopo de Castro avenue, in a route of about three hours. At the Icoaraci Hydroviary Terminal, a preparatory mass was celebrated at 7:30 AM by the emeritus archbishop of Belém, Dom Alberto Taveira Corrêa.
At 9 AM, the Círio Fluvial began, with the image onboard the Garnier Sampaio ship. The Brazilian Navy coordinated security and navigation, allowing only pre-registered vessels identified with flags and stickers provided by the State Department of Tourism (Setur). The use of life jackets was mandatory and monitored throughout the route.
After arriving at the Escadinha, the image proceeded to the Moto Romaria at 12 PM, on a route of 2.5 km along Presidente Vargas avenue to Nazaré avenue, ending in front of Colégio Gentil Bittencourt. State forces set up a special security and traffic scheme, with the Civil Police and Detran/PA conducting motorcycle screenings and roadblocks from the early hours of the day.
Operation Círio 2025 reinforces security and assistance
The Government of Pará, through the State Department of Public Security and Social Defense (Segup) and various state agencies, executed Operation Círio 2025, which mobilized more than 12,000 public agents in security, logistics, and population assistance actions.
During the river route, teams conducted patrols and inspections of the vessels, as well as setting up extraction and emergency assistance points for hospital removals, if necessary. Ambulances, police vehicles, and rescue boats were on standby throughout the entire route.
Tradition and honors
Established in 1986, the River Pilgrimage is recognized as one of the most beautiful manifestations of the Círio de Nazaré. Since 1999, the arrival of the image at the Escadinha has received honors of Head of State rendered by the Military Police of Pará, according to State Law No. 4,371/1971, which proclaims Our Lady of Nazaré as the Patroness of Pará and Queen of the Amazon.
