The Federal Highway Police (PRF) begins, this Friday (9), Operation Nossa Senhora Aparecida 2026 on all federal highways in the country. The operation will reinforce inspection on the country's highways, with special attention to those in São Paulo and Pará, where there are large movements of faithful to the National Sanctuary of Aparecida and the Círio de Nazaré.
The activities will continue until next Tuesday (13), after Brazil's Patron Saint's Day, October 12, a national holiday. During this period, there will be reinforcement of overt preventive policing in places and times with a higher incidence of serious accidents and crime.
São Paulo
On BR-116 (Rodovia Dutra), pilgrimages towards the Basilica of Aparecida usually take place from the first half of October, with an increase in the circulation of pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and vehicles in general.
The increase in traffic flow requires increased attention from all road users, especially in sections used by pilgrims who travel on foot until October 13th.
"For this reason, the operation in São Paulo began on October 2nd and continues until the 13th. The operation brings together inspection actions, traffic monitoring, road safety, combating crime and guidance for highway users", informed the corporation.
The PRF also said that it will use drones to assist in inspecting and monitoring traffic. The operation will also have the support of a helicopter, expanding monitoring and response capacity during the period.
"Police officers will also distribute identification bracelets to people in more vulnerable situations, such as children, the elderly and people who require special attention. The initiative seeks to facilitate the identification and location of these people in the event of a mismatch during the pilgrimage," said the PRF.
Taper
In relation to the Círio de Nazaré, the largest religious event in Brazil and one of the largest Catholic processions, the PRF will act in an integrated manner to assist the pilgrims, with the Military Police (PM), Fire Department, Municipal Guard of Belém, Municipal Civil Guard of Ananindeua and Civil Guard of Marituba, among others.
Recognized by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) as Intangible Cultural Heritage and by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Círio de Nazaré brings together around 2.5 million people.
Guidelines for pilgrims
Pilgrims who walk to Aparecida and Círio de Nazaré are advised to always walk along the road in the opposite direction to the flow of vehicles and walk in single file.
Additionally, pedestrians should avoid the highway at night. If you choose to walk at night, you should wear light clothing and reflective items. Pay attention to using sunscreen and staying hydrated.
In case of rain, the advice is to interrupt the walk and take shelter in a safe place, such as service stations and service bases. Cyclists must cycle in the same direction of the road, in accordance with traffic legislation.
It is advisable to plan your trip in advance, scheduling stopping points. Another guideline is to avoid using your cell phone or equipment that may cause distractions while walking.
For pilgrims who wish to travel the route on bicycles, the advice is to pay attention to the use of helmets and protective equipment, keeping the bicycle in good condition, especially brakes, tires and front and rear lighting systems.
Drivers are advised to pay extra attention during this period, reducing speed, paying attention to highway entrances and exits, access to service stations or local roads, being careful when overtaking even in permitted places and not accompanying pilgrims who are walking with a vehicle. Support vehicles must park at service stations or areas away from the highway and never on the shoulder.
