Círio Museum
Pará
The Círio Museum, established by the Pará State Government in 1986 and relocated in 2002 to the historic Feliz Lusitânia Complex in Belém's Cidade Velha neighborhood, is dedicated to chronicling the popular devotion to the Círio de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré. This religious celebration, dating back to 1793, is the largest in Pará and among the most significant in Brazil and the world, recognized as Brazilian intangible cultural heritage by IPHAN since 2004. The museum houses approximately 2,000 pieces across eleven collections, including 19th-century sacred art, popular art made from miriti fiber, and an extensive collection of sculptural ex-votos. It also preserves and restores the mantles worn by the image of Our Lady of Nazareth, which are renewed annually after the major October pilgrimage. As part of the Feliz Lusitânia Tourist Complex, the museum contributes to the preservation and interpretation of Belém's religious and cultural identity through its rich archival and museological collections.
Plan your trip to Brazil with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit the Círio Museum during weekdays for a quieter experience, especially between Tuesday and Thursday. The museum is open from 9 AM to 2 PM on these days, and from 9 AM to 5 PM on Fridays through Sundays. Consider visiting shortly after the October pilgrimage when new items are added to the collection. Booking tickets in advance is advisable during peak pilgrimage season. The museum is accessible within the Feliz Lusitânia Complex, making it easy to combine with visits to nearby historical sites.
Interesting facts
- •The Círio de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, which the museum documents, is one of the largest religious festivals in Brazil and the world.
- •The museum's collection includes around 2,000 pieces ranging from 19th-century sacred art to popular miriti fiber art and numerous ex-votos.
- •The mantles worn by the image of Our Lady of Nazareth are preserved and restored annually at the museum.
- •The Círio festival has been celebrated since 1793 and was declared Brazilian intangible cultural heritage by IPHAN in 2004.
- •The museum is part of the Feliz Lusitânia Tourist Complex, which includes several important historical sites in Belém.
History
The Círio Museum was created on October 9, 1986, initially housed in the basement of the Basilica of Nazaré.
It was relocated and reopened in December 2002 within the Feliz Lusitânia Complex, an area rich in colonial history in Belém.
The museum was founded to document and celebrate the Círio de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, a religious event first held in 1793 and later recognized as an important intangible cultural heritage of Brazil.
Over time, the museum's collection has grown to include thousands of artifacts that reflect the religious, artistic, and cultural significance of the Círio festival and its enduring role in Pará's identity.
Place Guide
Sacred Art Collection19th century
Features 19th-century religious artworks illustrating the devotion to Our Lady of Nazareth, including paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects.
Popular Art in Miriti
Showcases objects crafted from miriti fiber, a traditional material used in the region, representing local folk art connected to the festival.
Ex-Votos Sculptural Collection
A large assemblage of sculptural offerings (ex-votos) donated by devotees, symbolizing gratitude and faith related to the Círio.
Mantles Preservation and RestorationSince 1980s
The museum preserves and restores the mantles worn by the image of Our Lady of Nazareth, which are renewed yearly after the pilgrimage.