PRF estimates that the number of people on pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Aparecida, in São Paulo, will exceed that recorded in 2025

Thousands of pilgrims are already on their way to the Sanctuary of Aparecida, in São Paulo, for celebrations of Our Lady.

One of the most important highways in the country is packed with people at this time of year. Thousands of people walk to the same place. Each pilgrim goes on the road with a reason. Pilgrim Silvano Santos left São Paulo to thank him for two heart surgeries that went well:

"A lot of faith, dedication, for what I've been through. So, today, I'm very grateful."

Along Via Dutra, pilgrims find 137 support points to regain strength. And those who help also feel good about it.

"It's by faith, by my brothers who are going. For me it's priceless to be here", says retiree Elizabeth Ferreira.

PRF estimates that the number of people on pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Aparecida, in São Paulo, will exceed that recorded in 2025 — Photo: Jornal Nacional/ Reproduction

Highway police officers fly over the highway and have an overview of cars and pedestrians. The movement along the shoulder of Via Dutra should only increase until the 12th. The Federal Highway Police estimates that the number of people on pilgrimage will exceed that recorded in 2025, when more than 40 thousand pilgrims walked along the highway.

With so many people sharing space with heavy traffic, in 2026, inspection will be reinforced. For the first time, drones are being used in monitoring carried out by teams on the ground.

“We can keep up with the mass of pilgrims, we can move vehicles and anticipate both crimes and traffic violations”, says Alessandro Thomaz, highway police officer at the PRF's road safety unit.

This Thursday (8), a 15-year-old pilgrim was run over by a truck near Taubaté. His health condition is serious. The recommendation of the Federal Highway Police is to walk in single file along the shoulder, always against the flow of vehicles.

The pomegranate tree Socorro Pouto is a long way from home; is from Fortaleza. He went to São Paulo and is finishing the trip on foot and with what he needs in his luggage:

“Faith, hope and purpose”.