Aparecida: The Sacred Town
Develop through the faith of thousand pilgrims, is the town of Aparecida, Vale do Paraiba, Brazil. The sacred name of the town originated way back 1717 when three fishermen went to the Paraiba River to fish, they prayed to the Mother of God after many unsuccessful attempts of dropping the net and get nothing. After praying they threw the fishing and drew a body of a small clay statue of our Lady of Conception and then nets filled with fish, on that day in different places of the river they drew the head of the statue. They joined it together and put it a small prayer chapel, that’s the beginning of the miracles in the town, it was also believed that the freedom of Brazil from its colonizer was a blessing from the Immaculate Conception. Aparecida, Brazil was named after the Sacred Lady of Conception appears in the river thus later on shortened to Our Lady Aparecida “who appeared” and became the Queen and Patroness of Brazil and center pilgrimage of Latin America.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the Feast of Our Lady of Aparecida on the 12th of October, pilgrims all over the world visit to pray and devote the sacred Immaculate Conception. Thousands of worshippers come to visit Aparecida hotels might be fully occupied, booking in advance is suggested, severe traffic during this day is expected.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Visit the miraculous Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida where the statue of the sacred Immaculate Conception housed. After visiting the Shrine take time in relaxing at Amantikir Park where a serene botanical garden with a variety of fauna and flora, labyrinths and eateries are offered.
Stay at Hotel Faenician, which serves free breakfast and Wi-Fi, also in Hotel Rainha do Brasila four-star hotel that offers dining, pool, breakfast and chapel at reasonable rates.