Fatima Tour at Night: The Magic of the Sanctuary and the Candle Procession

Upon arrival in Fatima, you can take advantage of the free time, until the beginning of the Rosary at 9:30, to make a meal or, if you prefer, to peacefully explore the Sanctuary. The recinto offers various prayer spaces, historic sites and environments of great serenity, ideal for those who want to know this important spiritual center better.
Among the points of greatest interest is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the main temple of the Sanctuary of Fatima. Built between 1928 and 1953, this imposing basilica, of neobaroc architecture, was erected in the place where, according to tradition, the three shepherds have seen the mysterious light that led them to the Cova da Iria, giving the beginning to the events that would make Fatima known all over the world. Inside, there are the tombs of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, as well as beautiful vitrails that depict the apparitions of 1917.

It is held in the Sanctuary of Fatima the third in the Chapel of Apocalypse, which begins punctually at 21:30. This time of prayer brings together pilgrims from all over the world and marks the beginning of the nightly celebrations at the Sanctuary.
The Third, also known as the Rosary, is one of the most important prayers in Catholic tradition and has a profound significance in the Sanctuary of Fatima. Praying the third day is an act of meditation and contemplation of the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, divided into mysteries that remember fundamental moments of the Christian faith.
In Fatima, the third has an even more special value, as it is directly linked to the messages transmitted by the Virgin to the three little shepherds. Our Lady repeatedly asked to pray the third day daily as a path of peace, conversion and spiritual strength. Thus, each Ave Maria and every prayed mystery become a gesture of devotion, of gratitude or of personal supplication.

The Procession of the Candles begins after the recitation of Tuesday, starting around 22:15 in the Recinto de Oração. The moment begins with the blessing of the candles in the Chapel of Appearances, followed by the exit of the image of Our Lady of Fatima, which travels a symbolic journey to the Sanctuary.
The procession has an approximate duration of 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of pilgrims present.
This ritual is one of the most striking of Fatima. Its meaning is linked to the light of faith, represented by the lit candles held by pilgrims, symbolizing hope, devotion and prayer. The illuminated walk transforms the premises into an environment of deep silence, chants and spirituality, reflecting the union of the faithful who accompany the Virgin of Fatima.
The Procession of the Candles is considered by many the highlight of the Sanctuary's nightly celebrations.