Cheap Flights to Belem (BEL) from UK Airports

Over a million people celebrate in the streets during the festival

The city of Belem is located on the banks of the Amazon in Northern Brazil. It is a popular destination with tourists, largely due to the stunning natural habitat of the area. As part of the Amazon rainforest, Belem has a tropical climate and nearby attractions such as the Amazon Biopark Zoo and the Rodrigues Alves Wood Botanic Gardens are big draws to the area. As with the rest of Brazil, many festivals and celebrations take place in Belem throughout the year. The biggest of them being the Cirio de Nazare.

The procession of the Cirio de Nazare is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in October and is the biggest religious festival in Brazil. Crowds flock to the city of Belem as the streets are filled with colour and music, as activities such as processions, religious services and children’s events take place throughout the city. A spectacular fireworks show and an exciting funfair are some of the highlights of the celebrations, which lasts for 15 days.

On the first Saturday of the festival, the statue of 'Our Lady of Nazareth' arrives via a river procession from Icoaraci, a destination located to the North of Belem. The icon is carried through the streets to the city’s cathedral. The following day, over a million people gather to watch the statue being taken aboard a beautifully decorated carriage to the Basilica Santuario de Nazare. An event known as the procession of the Cirio de Nazare.