Every year, thousands of pilgrims make their way along Rua do Horto, a major pilgrimage route leading to a statue of Father Cícero in Juazeiro do Norte. Unfortunately, this route is marred by significant neglect, with the stench of sewage mixing with the prayers of the devout. Dirty water flows down the hillsides, and piles of garbage accumulate on the ground, painting a grim picture of a community struggling with basic sanitation issues.

In response to these challenges, the Municipal Government of Juazeiro do Norte, in collaboration with a public-private partnership between the Ceará Water and Sanitation Company and Ambiental Ceará, has stated they are working to address these sanitation problems. They have pledged to universalize sewage services in the city by 2033, reflecting a long-term commitment to improving the living conditions for both residents and visitors.

As pilgrims navigate the pathway, they encounter not only spiritual challenges but also physical discomfort due to the conditions they face, including potholes and overwhelming odors near prayer stations. This juxtaposition of faith and hardship serves as a poignant reminder of the essential need for infrastructure development in areas where religious devotion is expressed as an act of resilience amid adversity.