Children's Pilgrimage 2026 at the Shrine of Fátima
The 2026 Children's Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fátima takes place on 9–10 June, under the theme "And you? Do you want to see God?". Inspired by Sister Lúcia's life and the centenary of the Pontevedra apparitions, it gathers thousands of children for liturgy and activities.
The 2026 Children's Pilgrimage is one of the most anticipated events in the Shrine of Fátima's calendar and takes place on 9 and 10 June, gathering thousands of children from across Portugal and abroad. This year's theme — "And you? Do you want to see God?" — draws inspiration from the life of Sister Lúcia and celebrates the centenary of the Pontevedra apparitions of 1925-1926, during the Shrine's jubilee year.
The programme begins on Tuesday, 9 June at 9:30 PM, with a Prayer Vigil at the Chapel of the Apparitions, an intimate moment of spiritual preparation. On the morning of 10 June, from 9:30 AM, a staged presentation on the pilgrimage theme takes place in the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, followed by the Rosary at 10:00 AM and a solemn Eucharist at 11:00 AM. In the afternoon, at 3:30 PM, the staging is repeated and at 4:00 PM the closing celebration takes place.
Children gather in reserved areas in the Prayer Enclosure and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, accompanied by catechists, educators and families. After the Eucharist, a special surprise activity is prepared just for the youngest pilgrims. The Shrine provides guides for catechists, promotional materials and suggests a "May Campaign" of spiritual preparation in the weeks leading up to the event.
Groups from out of town can request simple lodging at the Shrine in advance by email or phone. This pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity for families to share Fátima's spirituality together in a warm, festive atmosphere shaped by joy, prayer and intergenerational communion.
