Setur recognizes the creativity of vessels that participated in the Círio Fluvial
This year, the design of the award received special attention, reinterpreting the Main Altar of the Basilica Sanctuary (known as Glória), which houses the original image of Our Lady of Nazaré.
Hundreds of vessels sailed in procession during the fluvial pilgrimage of the Círio de Nazaré. The faith that marks the Nazarene season was celebrated this Wednesday (22) with the award ceremony of the Carlos Rocque Award by the State Secretariat of Tourism (Setur), which recognized the highlights in the decoration of the vessels in the 38th edition of the contest. The ceremony took place at the Institute of Arts Sciences (ICA/UFPA) in Belém and brought together awardees, judges, authorities, and family members.
This year, the design of the Carlos Rocque Award received special attention, reinterpreting the Main Altar of the Basilica Sanctuary (known as Glória), which houses the original image of Our Lady of Nazaré, found by the caboclo Plácido. A polished metal adornment in shades of gold was created, with rays-shaped glimmers, overlaid by a hollow circle of angel clouds, crowning Our Lady, and at the center of the piece, a highlight for the Queen of the Amazon and Patroness of Pará.
This year's fluvial pilgrimage was evaluated by a committee formed by specialists from different areas: sacred art researcher Max Santos; the president of ABAV-PA, Alex Flávio; designer Débora Goldenberg; UFPA Tourism professor Alessandra Arnund; and tourism expert and ceremonialist Luciana Mendes. The judges assigned scores from one to ten based on criteria such as religious decoration, crew posture, adherence to schedule, procession route, navigation safety, and compliance with the Port Authority regulations.
In his speech, Tourism Secretary Eduardo Costa highlighted the economic and cultural weight of the Círio and the novelty of this year's trophy, which has a more contemporary and artisanal design. "We had a growth of about 12.5% in the number of visitors during the Círio, around 100,000 people, and an economic movement close to 100 million dollars. This shows the importance of this tradition for job and income generation in the State. This award, in addition to honoring, values our craftsmanship and local creativity," Costa stated.
The collective and emotional character of the pilgrimage was also emphasized by the coordinator of the Círio, Antônio Sousa, and by Captain of the Sea and War Alexandre Batista Pimentel, who praised the responsible conduct of the vessels during the procession, highlighting the collaboration between organizers, crews, and security agencies. "We were blessed with a safe and organized pilgrimage. I thank everyone who conducted their vessels with responsibility and faith. This unity is what makes the Fluvial Pilgrimage such a special and blessed moment," he said.
The coordinator of the Círio de Nazaré, Antônio Sousa, emphasized the importance of the collective work that makes the grandeur of the pilgrimage possible. "Many hands are involved, thousands of people contribute to ensure that this manifestation of faith happens with such beauty and safety. It is a great joy to see that, year after year, this tradition remains strong, with the commitment and devotion of all participants," he declared.
In the many human stories that accompany the pilgrimage, trajectories of dedication and family work emerge. Mário Ishiguro, who won second place in category B - "Other Types of Vessels" with the boat "Rio Gurupatuba," made a point of talking about this legacy. "We have won the award in the past and have participated in the Pilgrimage for over 20 years. The work is a family affair: our daughters take care of the decoration, and our decorator was also awarded last year. We try to adapt the theme of the Círio in the truest way possible. It is a collective work, of many hands. Participating for so long is indescribable; it moves us, represents achievements, and fills us with pride," he said, emotionally.
The first place in the Regional Vessels category went to "Cidade de Santarém II," represented by Edna Rocha. She reinforced the significance of the pilgrimage and the theme chosen for the vessel: sustainability and respect for nature. "It was a great pleasure to receive the pilgrims on board, many coming from other states. This year we brought a theme focused on sustainability, reinforcing the importance of caring for nature and valuing God's creation. It was a pilgrimage blessed by Our Lady of Nazaré," she shared.
In the "Other Types of Vessels" category, the podium was composed of: "Amazonas III" (1st place), owned by José Maria Martins; "Rio Gurupatuba" (2nd place), by Mário Ishiguro and family; and "Rita Helena" (3rd place), by Neuzivane Ferreira and Maria José. In the "Regional Vessels" category, in addition to the winner "Cidade de Santarém II," the second place went to "Cidade de Terra Santa" (represented by Cláudio Sobrinho and decorated by Sheila Damasceno) and the third to "Ana Beatriz III" (owned by Edilson Melo Pinheiro and decorated by Márcio Damasceno).
Interior designer and judge Débora Goldenberg, who participated in the evaluation for the first time, described the experience as emotional: "It was emotional. The vessels were beautiful, with a lot of creativity and devotion. It was a parade not only decorative but of faith, joy, and religiosity. I was delighted to participate," she commented.
At the end of the ceremony, Setur thanked the partnership with the agencies that ensure the safety and organization of the event, including the Port Authority of Eastern Amazon, the Brazilian Navy, and the Nazaré Festival Directorate, and also thanked the family of Carlos Rocque for their support in maintaining the award, which has celebrated for almost four decades the tradition and craft of those who decorate the vessels.
