During the entire month of October multiple processions foster a message of peace, compassion and love to one another. The scale and cultural value of Cirio is remarkable.
Many of the 12 official processions engage more than 1 million people eager to see the new mantle.
Religion acceptance - an example to the world
Throughout this journey the procession walks in front of many religious sites. Its common to see an inspiring gesture of religious tolerance - and a true message of love for one to another - as believers of multiple religions help the catholic pilgrims by donating bottles of water, proving shelter from 100+ degrees temperature, and even by rescuing some of the people that faint by volunteering to the Brazilian Red Cross.
The new mantle: To many a new Cirio starts at the introducing of the yearly new sacred mantle, which a fresh message to carried by Our Lady. The live event quickly dominates social media, TV news and the local newspapers. Its a remarkable achievement for any artist to be chosen to help with this task.
The riverboat procession
The next morning starts with the beautiful riverboat procession leaving from the port of Icoaraci early in the morning. Our Lady goes on Brazils Marine H37 boat followed by hundreds of vessels, many carrying 600+ people each It arrives back in Belém where Our Lady is transferred from the marine boat directly into a motorcycle procession and it is taken to Gentil school.On the next morning, the mantle appears on all local newspapers and TV news. Our Lady, carrying the newly reveled mantle, leaves on a 50 km car procession where it will stop and enter many hospitals, living houses, schools and connect directly to the ones in need. The traditional car procession engages 1.3 million people in a 10 hours journey to Ananindeua City.The new mantle refreshes a devotion to get as close as possible to observe the new handcrafted symbols and experience Our Ladys new message as an art piece.