Círio de Nazaré: Registration opens for 2026 runner procession

The Círio de Nazaré, a major religious event, is preparing for its 2026 edition with the opening of registrations for the Romaria dos Corredores on September 22. This official procession involves a 7-kilometer route starting from Praça Santuário de Nazaré, where participants follow the pilgrim image of Nossa Senhora de Nazaré in the Berlinda. While registration is not mandatory, those who sign up via the official website can receive an exclusive kit including a shirt and medal by donating 2 kg of non-perishable food.

The historical origins of the Círio's famous rope tradition date back to 1855. Following a flood in the Igarapé do Piri, the carriage transporting the religious image became stuck in mud, and horses were unable to pull it free. A rope provided by a local resident allowed devotees to assist in freeing the vehicle. This practical solution eventually became a symbolic element of the procession, officially integrated in 1885, and prompted a shift in the event's schedule from the afternoon to the morning to avoid regional rains.