Our Lady festivals begin across Brazil and Portugal in August

In Rio de Janeiro, the Imperial Irmandade of Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro held its annual vestment ceremony on 5 August, unveiling new white and light‑blue robes for the image of the Virgin and the Child Jesus. The event marks the opening of the Padroeira festivities in the city.

In the Brazilian Amazon, the mayor of Cruzeiro do Sul, Zequinha Lima, inaugurated the 108th edition of the Novenário of Nossa Senhora da Glória, a multi‑day pilgrimage that draws thousands of faithful from the Vale do Juruá.

Portugal saw several traditional celebrations: the historic river procession (Círio) of Nossa Senhora do Rosário linked Troia and Setúbal from 15 to 17 August, featuring masses, boat contests and fireworks; the parish of Dona Maria hosted festivities for Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo between 14 and 17 August, including a solemn mass, folk dances and a procession; Maricá organized the Festa da Padroeira of Nossa Senhora do Amparo from 13 to 16 August, with national singers João Gomes, Falamansa, Mumuzinho and others performing free concerts.

On Madeira, a series of novenas honouring Nossa Senhora do Monte continued throughout August, culminating in a final celebration on 13 August. Meanwhile, the city of Araras in São Paulo state marked its 164th anniversary with a week‑long festival centred on Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio, offering daily concerts and a traditional fair.