June Anniversary Pilgrimage at the Shrine of Fátima
The June Anniversary Pilgrimage commemorates Our Lady's apparition to the Shepherd Children on 13 June 1917. Held on 12-13 June 2026, it features a vigil, candlelight procession, rosary and international Mass.
The June Anniversary Pilgrimage is one of the most emblematic celebrations at the Shrine of Fátima, commemorating Our Lady's second apparition to the Shepherd Children Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta, which took place on 13 June 1917. In 2026, it runs on 12 and 13 June, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims from Portugal and around the world.
The programme begins on the night of 12 June with the International Rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions, followed by the spectacular Candlelight Procession — one of the most striking and visually moving moments of Fátima's spirituality, with thousands of candles lighting up the enclosure as pilgrims sing the traditional "Ave de Fátima". The night closes with a solemn Eucharist presided over by a guest cardinal or bishop.
On 13 June, the International Mass is celebrated in the Prayer Enclosure, followed by the Farewell Procession in which the statue of Our Lady of Fátima is carried back to the Chapel as pilgrims wave white handkerchiefs — a deeply emotional and uniquely Portuguese farewell.
This pilgrimage holds special meaning as it marks the anniversary of the day Our Lady promised to take the children to Heaven and revealed to the world that her Immaculate Heart would be the path to God. Arrive early to find a good spot in the enclosure, particularly for the candlelight procession. The Shrine accommodates over 300,000 people and offers shaded areas, drinking water and medical support. Special transport runs from Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra on these days.
