Thousands of faithful attended the traditional Lord of the Steps procession in Florianópolis, celebrating a historic religious event with deep local significance.
The traditional Lord of the Steps procession took place in Florianópolis, Brazil, on Saturday, attracting around 55,000 participants according to the Communication Pastoral (Pascom). This event marks the 260th edition of one of the oldest religious gatherings in the capital of Santa Catarina. Despite not being the official patron of the city, the celebration holds a deeply emotional significance for the community, often regarded as its 'affective patron.'
With roots tracing back to the 18th century, the Lord of the Steps procession is one of Brazil's largest expressions of faith, second only to the Círio de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré in Belém and the tributes to Father Cícero in Juazeiro do Norte. The procession symbolizes the Catholic devotion to Jesus Christ carrying his cross, reflecting on the suffering he endured prior to the crucifixion. Such a large turnout this year highlights the continued importance of this religious tradition in bringing people together.
The procession began at the Menino Deus Chapel within the Imperial Hospital of Charity and moved through various streets of the city, enveloping the participants in a collective spirit of devotion and reflection. Events like these reinforce community ties, reveal the cultural heritage of the area, and echo the historical significance of similar religious celebrations across Brazil.
