In the "Descent of Glória", devotees experience moments of faith as they approach the original image of Our Lady
The celebration marks the official start of the Nazarene season and gathers thousands of faithful at the Basilica Sanctuary
Faith took over Belém on the morning of this Saturday (11), the eve of the Círio de Nazaré, during the traditional descent of the Original Image of Our Lady of Nazaré from Glória, at the Basilica Sanctuary. The moment, one of the most symbolic of the festivity, marked the official start of the Nazarene season, gathering thousands of devotees in a climate of emotion and gratitude.
The small 28-centimeter image, carried by the metropolitan archbishop of Belém, Dom Júlio Akamine, descended slowly from the top of the altar amidst applause, songs, and tears. The gesture represents the approach of the patroness of the people of Pará to the people, a tradition that precedes the main pilgrimages and tributes of the Círio. The image will remain on display in a glass dome for the next 15 days, during which Belém transforms into a large sanctuary of faith.
Emotion and testimonies of faith
The devotion of thousands of people from Pará was expressed in gestures, prayers, and promises. Among the faithful was Elisângela Farah, 43 years old, a public servant, who reported how her life is marked by blessings achieved through the intercession of Our Lady.
“My story with Our Lady goes back to my birth. In fact, my name is Elisângela de Nazaré. I asked Her for a house, and in the same year, I got it. Later, I asked for my dog's life, and she answered me. She also granted me healing after a surgery. I am here just returning my faith. I love Our Lady of Nazaré very much,” she said, emotionally.
Government of Pará reinforces support and investments
The Government of Pará reaffirmed its commitment to valuing the Círio de Nazaré, the largest religious and cultural manifestation in the State, by announcing R$ 2 million in transfers to support the actions and events of the festivity.
In addition, the State confirmed an investment of R$ 40 million in the construction of the Our Lady of Nazaré Events Center, which will be built near the Basilica Sanctuary. The space will host religious, cultural, and community programs throughout the year, strengthening Belém as a hub for religious tourism and expanding the legacy of the Círio.
Religious tourism boosts the economy
According to the State Secretariat of Tourism (Setur), Círio 2025 is expected to attract around 100,000 tourists and generate US$ 39 million (about R$ 210 million), representing a 12.5% increase in tourist flow and 12.7% in revenue compared to the previous year.
The service, hospitality, food, and transportation sectors are expected to see an increase of up to 20% during the celebration period. The Círio reaffirms its role as one of the main drivers of the creative economy and cultural promotion in Pará.
On a national scale, religious tourism generates R$ 15 billion annually, with 17.7 million visitors, according to the Ministry of Tourism, consolidating the State as a reference and protagonist in this segment that unites faith, tradition, and development.
History and tradition
Made of wood, the Original Image of Our Lady of Nazaré was found by Plácido José de Souza on the banks of the Murucutu stream, at the site where the Basilica now stands. Even after restorations, it maintains its original characteristics. In 1953, it received a mantle and papal crown made with gold threads and precious stones, by order of Pope Pius XII.
The ceremony of the descent of Glória began in 1969, at the initiative of Father Miguel Giambelli, then vicar of Nazaré. It became public in 1992, allowing devotees to closely follow the moment when the image is brought to the people, a gesture that symbolizes the communion, faith, and devotion that drive the Círio de Nazaré.
