In the capital of São Paulo, many see the Tietê River as synonymous with foul odors, neglect, and pollution. However, the scene changes completely in some parts of the interior of São Paulo, where the waters are lively and even crystal clear! In the municipality of Laranjal Paulista, for example, the river is navigable and hosts an impressive annual river procession, which attracts the faithful and curious from across the region.
The tradition shows how the Tietê River remains vibrant outside the metropolis, playing a central role in the daily lives of the local population. It is a way of redefining the waterway as a space for faith and leisure, which reinforces the need to revitalize the degraded stretches where the river loses its luster.
The “Miraculous Fishing” in the São Paulo countryside
Unlike other centuries-old religious celebrations in the state, the river procession in Laranjal Paulista is a recent initiative. The event began in 2023 to celebrate the “Miraculous Catch, ” an episode from 1717 in which three fishermen found a clay image of the Virgin Mary in the Paraíba do Sul River.
Since then, the devotees in Laranjal Paulista have recreated this moment in the clean waters of the Tietê, honoring Our Lady of Aparecida in a setting of environmental preservation. The procession travels 4 kilometers along the water, also passing through the Sorocaba River. About 150 people participate annually, in boats and canoes that transform the Tietê into an open-air sanctuary!
River procession attracts tourists to Laranjal Paulista every year
The river procession in Laranjal Paulista always takes place on October 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida. The event is open to the faithful and tourists alike, offering a day-trip option to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and experience authentic riverside culture.
Laranjal Paulista is 160 kilometers from São Paulo, requiring about a 2-hour drive. In addition to religious tourism, the municipality is also famous for being the“Toy Capital, ” offering attractions for all ages. So, if you’re looking for a picturesque destination steeped in history, discover what to do in the city in this article!
