The Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth is a Catholic church on Avenida Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, in the Nazaré district of Belém. It is built where the image of Our Lady of Nazareth was found, and that image can be seen inside. Colored light passes through glass windows with religious motifs and falls across the arches, and the interior stays cool. Mass is held several times a day. Early October is the most meaningful time to come, when the Círio de Nazaré festivities fill the city and the main procession takes place on the second Sunday of the month.
Where the image was found
The basilica is tied to the image of Our Lady of Nazareth. According to the local account, Plácido José de Souza found it in Belém, on the banks of the Murututu igarapé, and the church was raised on that site. The image can still be seen inside.
For many people in Belém and across Pará, this is the main place to venerate Our Lady each year. The church is open during the week and holds mass several times a day, so a visit can fall alongside services.
Inside the basilica
The architecture is similar to that of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Belém, but the ceiling is different. The windows are made of colored glass with religious motifs. Light crosses them and falls through the arches in colored patches, which is the detail most people remember from the interior.
The church is well restored and kept cool inside. The entrance, the restrooms and the parking lot are all wheelchair accessible.
The Círio de Nazaré
The Círio de Nazaré is the festival that gives the basilica its wider fame. It has been held for more than 200 years in Belém. The pilgrim image of Our Lady of Nazareth, known to devotees as Naza or Nazinha, stays in the basilica for most of the year and is carried out for the procession.
The celebrations begin in August and run until about fifteen days after the main procession, which takes place on the second Sunday of October. Along the way there are several moments of tribute. In the transfer, the image travels to the Church of Nossa Senhora das Graças in Ananindeua and stays there overnight. After a night vigil comes the road pilgrimage, when the image goes to Icoaraci, accompanied by ambulances and official vehicles. The main procession ends at the square in front of the sanctuary.
Almost the whole city takes part, and pilgrims come from all over Brazil.
The fair and the neighborhood
A fair at the basilica sells handicrafts, including toys made of palm wood, and food stalls serve hot Amazonian dishes. It is a simple way to bring home something local after the visit.
The basilica is in Nazaré, one of the better-off neighborhoods of Belém, and the area can be explored on foot.
FAQ
When is the Círio de Nazaré procession?
The main procession is on the second Sunday of October. The wider celebrations start in August and continue for about fifteen days after the procession.
Can I visit if I am not Catholic?
Yes. The church is open to everyone and is worth seeing for its architecture and interior. Be quiet and respectful, since it is an active place of worship.
Is the basilica wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, the restrooms and the parking lot are all wheelchair accessible.
Are masses held at the basilica?
Yes, mass is held several times a day. The church is also open during the week for visitors.
Where is the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth?
It is at Avenida Nossa Senhora de Nazaré 1300, in the Nazaré district of Belém, Pará.
