Before hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in 30 days, the Amazonian city of Belém turns its attention elsewhere this weekend, as millions prepare for what is Brazil’s largest Catholic event — and one of the biggest gatherings of its kind in the world — Círio de Nazaré.
Held annually in Belém since 1793, Círio de Nazaré is a 15-day Catholic religious celebration, culminating in a 3.6-kilometer procession on the second Sunday of October. During this event, the image of Our Lady of Nazareth is transported from Belém Cathedral to the Nazaré Basílica by millions of devotees.
Since 2013, the festival has been on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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