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In Brazil, from June 26 to July 5, the "Faith Capital" of Goiás, the city of Trindade (located about 18 km from Goiânia and 230 km from Brasília) kickstarts the Pilgrimage of the Divine Eternal Father. The municipality, which has around 142,000 residents, welcomed over 4 million pilgrims over the ten-day event, cementing itself as one of the main religious tourism destinations in Brazil (whose national language is Portugese).
In 2026, the traditional festival celebrates 186 years of devotion with the theme "We Cry Out: Abba, Father", inviting the faithful to a period of prayer focused on God the Father.
Intense Programming and Major Attractions
During the festive period, devotees can participate in an uninterrupted religious agenda, including Masses celebrated virtually 24 hours a day at iconic locations across the city, such as the Sanctuary Basilica, the Mother Church (Igreja Matriz), and the construction site of the New Basilica.
Key highlights include:
Penitence Procession: Held daily at 5:00 AM, starting from the Mother Church and heading to the square of the Sanctuary Basilica.
Ringing of the Vox Patris: The world's largest tolling bell rings daily at exactly 6:00 PM at the construction site of the new basilica.
Kids' Space: A new area designed for families, complemented by a special Children's Mass on the first Sunday of the event at 10:30 AM.
Cultural Schedule: The program also features free, open-to-the-public concerts by major names in Brazilian country music (sertanejo), including Ana Castela and singer Daniel.
Reviving Traditions: The Pilgrimage Walk and Ox-Cart Parade
The ultimate display of devotion occurs along the Pilgrims' Highway (GO-060), an 18 km stretch connecting the capital city of Goiânia to Trindade, which thousands of pilgrims travel entirely on foot. Additionally, cyclists have their own dedicated event with the Cyclists' Pilgrimage.
Another highlight of the festivities is the traditional Parade of Carreiros (Ox-Cart Drivers), Horsemen, and Muleteers. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when rural families traveled long distances in ox-carts to give thanks for blessings received. The famous "song" of the wooden axles of the ox-carts still echoes through the city during the parade and is officially recognized as a Brazilian Cultural Heritage by Iphan (the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage).
Tourist Itinerary and Faith in Trindade
Visitors arriving in the city can explore various religious tourism sites using interactive maps and special transport, such as the "Family of Love Train" (Trenzinho da Família de Amor). Key sites include:
Sanctuary Basilica of the Divine Eternal Father: Opened in 1974 and elevated to a basilica in 2006, it is the only temple in the world dedicated to this specific devotion.
Mother Church (Old Sanctuary): A 1912 temple listed as a national historical heritage site.
Construction Site of the New Basilica: An area open for guided tours, where the massive Vox Patris bell is located.
Other Landmarks: The Portal of Faith, Vila São Cottolengo (renowned for its social work), the Carmel, and the Memory Museum of Trindade.
The Origin of the Devotion
The history of faith in the region began around 1840, when a farming couple, Constantino Xavier and Ana Rosa, found an 8-centimeter clay medallion depicting the Holy Trinity crowning Our Lady while working in the fields.
Prayers around the medallion soon attracted neighbors, and reports of miracles spread. Years later, when attempting to restore the piece in Pirenópolis, sculptor Veiga Valle carved a wooden image inspired by the clay medallion instead. Lacking the funds to pay for the artwork, Constantino left his horse as payment and returned to Trindade on foot, carrying the image—a historic journey considered the very first pilgrimage to the Divine Eternal Father.
Source - https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/viagemegastronomia/viagem/romaria-do-divino-pai-eterno-espera-mais-de-4-milhoes-de-fieis-em-trindade/
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