Peace and religious freedom walks organized in Portugal and Brazil

Various religious and non-religious organizations are organizing series of walks focused on peace and religious freedom in Portugal and Brazil.

In Portugal, the ‘Passos pela PAZ 2026’ initiatives, organized by groups including Rede Cuidar da Casa Comum and Movimento Laudato Si’, will take place between September 19 and October 4. These walks aim to address global conflicts, the displacement of millions, and ecological destruction, linking the pursuit of peace with integral ecology. Additionally, a silent IV Peace Walk will occur on September 20 across nine Portuguese cities, including Braga, Tavira, Funchal, and Horta.

In Brazil, the 19th Walk in Defense of Religious Freedom is scheduled for September 20 in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. Organized by the Comissão de Combate à Intolerância Religiosa and the Centro de Articulação de Populações Marginalizadas, the event advocates for a secular state and respect for diverse beliefs. The mobilization, which began in 2008 following violence against practitioners of African-based religions, will feature cultural presentations and marches along the Copacabana beachfront.