Sant'Ana Festival in Brazil draws crowds for blessings, races and community feasts

The 103rd Festa de Sant'Ana in Castro, Brazil, ran from July 17‑26, featuring a traditional car‑blessing ceremony at the Matriz Sant'Ana church, a bingo night, sale of pastel and sweets, a river procession, a solemn mass and a communal lunch with barbecued foods.

In nearby Barra do Piraí, the Festival’s Corrida da Padroeira attracted about 1,000 participants, including 900 adult runners and 100 children in a specially designed kids’ course. Mayor Kátia Miki opened the event, and Father Paulo Sérgio Nogueira blessed the runners. The race, held on July 25, promoted health, family participation and community integration, reinforcing the religious celebration of the town’s patron saint.