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Religious festival · Rio de Janeiro
The Feast of Our Lady of Penha, at the sanctuary atop the rock in the North Zone of Rio, with masses, processions and the 382-step staircase.
In the photo: Rio de Janeiro
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
On Sundays in October, the month of the sanctuary’s patron saint.
October
Dates change every year: check this year's date before you travel.
The festival
The Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Penha, in the Penha neighborhood, sits on top of a rock and is known for its staircase of 382 steps carved into the stone, completed in 1819. In October, the month of the patron saint, the sanctuary holds its festival, one of the city’s oldest religious celebrations.
On Sundays in October there are masses throughout the day, processions and musical performances. Many devotees climb the staircase to fulfill vows, some on their knees. Around the sanctuary, the festival features food stalls and cultural programming, a tradition that mixes faith with a popular gathering.
If you don’t want to climb the 382 steps, you can use the sanctuary’s alternative access to reach the top. From up there, you can see Guanabara Bay and much of the North Zone. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the climb.
In the city
Flavors of Brazil
October
September/OctoberOnce a year, usually in September, sometimes in October.
The Italian culture festival of Petrópolis at the Palácio de Cristal, with Italian food stalls, music, workshops and a masked ball.
OctoberUsually in the first half of October, for about ten days.
The Rio de Janeiro international film festival, featuring hundreds of Brazilian and foreign films in theaters across several neighborhoods.
October/NovemberOnce a year, across two consecutive weekends between late October and early November.
Itaipava’s music and arts festival, held in the mountains of Petrópolis, featuring multiple stages, Brazilian and international artists, and outdoor programming.
Your questions
There are 382 steps carved into the rock, completed in 1819.
In October, the month of the patron saint, with main events on Sundays. Check the sanctuary’s calendar for the year to confirm dates.
Festivals and events in Brazil
JanuaryOn January 20, the day of the city’s patron saint, which is a municipal holiday in Rio de Janeiro.
The patron saint’s day in Rio de Janeiro, with masses and a procession that carries the saint’s image from Tijuca to the Metropolitan Cathedral in the city center.
February/MarchIn February or March, depending on the Carnival calendar, which changes each year with the date of Easter.
The samba school parades at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome and the street blocos scattered around the city during Carnival days.
May/JuneIn the days leading up to Pentecost Sunday, 50 days after Easter; therefore it falls in May or June.
Paraty’s most traditional religious festival, with a novena, processions through the historic center, and a solemn Mass followed by a procession on Pentecost Sunday.
June/JulyBetween late June and early July, always including June 29, German Settler Day, a municipal holiday in Petrópolis.
Petrópolis’s German Settler festival, featuring traditional German food and beer, folk dance groups, and events around the Crystal Palace.
June/SeptemberEvery two years, in odd-numbered years; generally in September, sometimes in June. · Every two years
The major book fair of Rio de Janeiro held every two years, with publisher booths, author events, and programming for children and young people.
July/AugustOnce a year, between the second half of July and the beginning of August, during winter break.
The Sesc winter festival in the Mountain Region, with concerts, theater, dance and circus at Sesc Quitandinha, in Itaipava and other venues in Petrópolis.
