Sespa guarantees support for the 3rd Accessibility Pilgrimage at the Círio de Nazaré 2025
Medical and nursing care was offered throughout the entire route, promoting safety and support for the faithful
The Accessibility Pilgrimage, launched in August 2023 by the Nazaré Festival Board (DFN), reached its third edition this Saturday (25). The State Department of Public Health (Sespa), through the State Coordination of People with Disabilities (CEPED), played a key role in the action, which is part of the official program of the Círio de Nazaré. The initiative reinforces the commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities, rare syndromes, autism spectrum disorder, reduced mobility, the elderly, and other groups that require accessibility.
With the motto "Nothing about us without us," the procession left the Sanctuary Square, right after the arrival of the Runners' Pilgrimage, and followed an adapted and safe route through the tree-lined streets of downtown Belém. The route included the avenues Generalíssimo Deodoro, Braz de Aguiar, Quintino Bocaiúva, and Nazaré, ending again at the Sanctuary Square, a total of 1.45 km, covered in about an hour.
Sespa provided full support to the Pilgrimage, with medical and nursing teams and an ambulance from the 1st Regional Health Center, ensuring the well-being of participants throughout the entire route.
"The Accessibility Pilgrimage grows every year and represents a truly inclusive Círio. With the support of the TCE and Sespa, we ensure safety, care, and support for people with disabilities and their families. It is moving to see atypical mothers and their children participating joyfully in such a special moment of faith," highlighted Iracy Tupinambá, state coordinator for people with disabilities.
Inclusion - The Accessibility Pilgrimage is a response to a long-standing desire of devotees with physical limitations who dreamed of participating in the Círio but felt insecure due to the distance and the large concentration of faithful in other processions. Since 2023, it has established itself as a landmark of welcome and inclusion within the festivities.
Gratitude - During an action held at the Usina da Paz, the CEPED team met the mother of Maria Duarda, a girl with microcephaly who needed specialized follow-up. From this meeting, she was referred to the Integrated Center for Inclusion and Rehabilitation (CIIIR), where she began to receive all the necessary support, including orthoses, prostheses, and multiprofessional care.
Since April, mother and daughter have been in Belém, following the treatment with dedication and hope. At the Accessibility Pilgrimage, they found the support point of CEPED and took the opportunity to personally thank for the welcome and the transformation that the care brought to the family's life.
"Thanks to the CEPED team and the CIIIR, my daughter is being monitored and evolving every day. I am only grateful for everything they have done for us. I came to the Pilgrimage to thank God and everyone who made this possible," said Maria Duarda's mother, emotionally.
The Accessibility Pilgrimage also had the support of the Court of Accounts of the State of Pará (TCE/PA) and the Integrated Center for Inclusion and Citizenship (CIIC/Seaster), through the Pará Sign Language Central (Cilpa).
