Our Lady of Aparecida Day honors Nossa Senhora Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. The day commemorates the 1717 discovery of a small clay statue of the Virgin Mary by fishermen in the Paraíba River, which became a symbol of hope and faith. Over centuries, devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida grew into one of Brazil’s most cherished traditions. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Aparecida, one of the largest churches in the world, to pay tribute.

Our Lady of Africa in Spain refers to the Patroness of Ceuta, venerated since the 15th century. Her shrine and image remain central to the city’s identity, and her annual feast is one of Ceuta’s most important celebrations, blending faith, history, and culture.