July International Anniversary Pilgrimage – Fátima
On 12 and 13 July, the Sanctuary of Fátima hosts one of its largest pilgrimages of the year, commemorating the third apparition of Our Lady to the shepherd children in 1917. Thousands of pilgrims from dozens of countries gather at Cova da Iria for the Candlelight Procession and International Mass.
The July International Anniversary Pilgrimage is one of the most significant moments in the calendar of the Sanctuary of Fátima. Held on 12 and 13 July, it commemorates the third apparition of Our Lady to the three shepherd children — Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta — which took place on 13 July 1917 at Cova da Iria. According to tradition, it was on this day that the famous "secrets of Fátima" were revealed, including the call to prayer, penance and peace.
The celebrations begin on Sunday evening, 12 July, at 9:30 pm, with the recitation of the Rosary followed by the emblematic Candlelight Procession, one of the most beautiful and moving moments of the pilgrimage, when thousands of flames light up the Prayer Enclosure. This is followed by the Celebration of the Word at the altar of the enclosure.
On Monday, 13 July, the Rosary is prayed again at 9:00 am, and at 10:00 am the International Mass is celebrated in the Prayer Enclosure, with the Blessing of the Sick and the Farewell Procession, during which the statue of Our Lady is bid farewell by pilgrims waving white handkerchiefs in the air.
The pilgrimage gathers groups of pilgrims from every continent, making Fátima a true international spiritual meeting point. In addition to the main celebrations, the Sanctuary offers moments of adoration, confessions in several languages, and visits to landmark sites such as the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the modern Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity.
Even for non-religious visitors, the July pilgrimage is a unique cultural experience that reveals the deep devotional dimension of Portugal and the impressive organisation of one of the world's largest Catholic pilgrimage centres. Visitors are advised to arrive early, bring water and sun protection given the Portuguese summer heat, and respect the contemplative atmosphere of the pilgrims.