The Nazaré Pilgrimage (Círio de Nazaré)

Belém is also synonymous with festivals. The Nazaré Pilgrimage is one of the most traditional of the city's festivals, taking place on the second Sunday of October to pay respect to Our Lady of Nazaré, patron saint of the state. Taking place since 1793, the festival originated in Portugal where, according to legend, the saint saved the life of a nobleman when she saw him about to fall over a precipice whilst on horseback. The event was described by the Portuguese in Belém and some time later another miracle performed by the saint was also reported, this time involving a hunter in the Amazon Rain Forest.

Nowadays, the festival attracts around 1.5 million believers who commemorate the day with processions. The pilgrims make up a procession of monumental proportions, which ends at the Basilica of Nazareth, where the image of Our Lady is worshipped. During the procession the statue is carried on a wooden framework to which a long cord is attached. Thousand of people contend for the privilege of holding the cord as a way of thanksgiving.