Religious event has been taking place since 1957, completed its 69th edition in 2026 and includes masses, confessions and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Thousands of drivers faced queues this Friday (2) in Curitiba to participate in one of the longest-lasting religious traditions in the capital of Paraná: the Blessing of the Vehicles. Promoted by the Capuchin Friars in the Parish of Our Lady of Mercy, the event reaches its 69th edition consolidated as a milestone in the local calendar, always held on the first Friday of the year.
The movement began at dawn, with the start of services at 5:30 am. To meet the demand, about 30 friars took turns in a marathon that continued uninterruptedly until 9 pm. The structure set up on Avenida Manoel Ribas aimed to serve not only passenger cars, but also trucks, buses and motorcycles.
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According to estimates by the Franciscan Order, between 11,000 and 12,000 vehicles passed through the site by the end of the day. The ritual, which has been taking place since 1957, is seen by the faithful as a way to seek divine protection for traffic throughout the new year.
Due to the large volume of participants, the impact on traffic in the Mercês region is significant. Double lines formed along Manoel Ribas Avenue and Júlio Perneta Street, requiring a special traffic operation. The Municipal Guard and Setran (Traffic Superintendence) were on site to guide drivers and ensure the safety of pedestrians.
In addition to the sprinkling of holy water on vehicles — which takes place in a religious drive-thru system — the parish’s schedule includes internal activities. Masses, moments of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and confessions are planned, available from 7 am to 8 pm. The organization reinforces that, despite the queues, fluidity is guaranteed by the number of friars acting simultaneously on the lanes.
