From October 3 to 12, the 2026 Festival of the Patron Saint will bring Aparecida to life with a program that combines religious tradition and cultural attractions. Considered one of the country’s major Catholic celebrations, the festival transforms the city in the Paraíba Valley into a destination for faith-based and cultural tourism, just 171 kilometers from the capital of São Paulo.
For ten days, the faithful will attend Masses, novenas, vigils, and moments of devotion at the National Shrine. In addition to the liturgical celebrations, the festival also features bike rides, a motorcade, a procession, and live music.
It is estimated that the 2026 edition will attract more than 500,000 visitors. Many travel to Aparecida on pilgrimage, covering hundreds of kilometers by bicycle, on horseback, or even on foot. For this reason, Operation Safe Pilgrimage 2026 will set up 29 support tents for pilgrims along sections of the Via Dutra and the Rota da Luz.
Do you know the story of Our Lady of Aparecida?
Devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida began in 1717 with the fishermen Domingos Garcia, João Alves, and Felipe Pedroso. While fishing on the Paraíba do Sul River in Guaratinguetá, they found the body and then the head of a terracotta statue of Our Lady of the Conception. Following the discovery, they were able to catch many fish and attributed their success to a miracle.
In 1745, local residents built the first chapel dedicated to the saint and established Aparecida as a place of pilgrimage. But it was not until 1930 that, at the request of Brazilian bishops, Pope Pius XI officially proclaimed Our Lady of Aparecida as Queen and Patroness of Brazil.
Since then, the National Shrine of Aparecida has welcomed millions of pilgrims each year. The influx becomes even more intense on October 12, a date that has become firmly established as one of the most important in the country’s religious and cultural calendar.
Feast of the Patron Saint 2026: Check out the schedule
The official theme of the 2026 Feast of the Patroness is “With Mary, in community, knowing and practicing the Word.” This edition also marks the conclusion of the Shrine’s Biblical Journey, an eight-year project that adorned the building’s façade with biblical mosaics in order to bring the faithful closer to the Scriptures.
The religious program is repeated daily with Masses at various times, the Afternoon Novena at 3:00 p.m., and the Solemn Novena at 7:00 p.m. Check out other highlights:
- Opening bike ride: Saturday, the 3rd
- Procession of the Patron Saint: Wednesday, the 7th
- Children’s Mass: Monday, the 12th
- Solemn Procession and Fireworks Display: Monday, the 12th
In addition, on Friday (the 9th), the Patron Saint Festival will enhance this year’s cultural program. With free admission, the festivities will feature performances by the Cantores do Santuário, Bruno Faglioni, Sister Custódia, Brother Alan, Mariangela Zan, Fr. Camilo, Fr. Antonio Maria, Thaeme and Thiago, and Thiago Arancam.
📍 When: October 3–12 , 2026
✝️ More information: Check out the full schedule on the National Shrine of Aparecida website
