The Candle: a ritual based on the original myth of Our Lady of Nazaré, in Belém do Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The Candle is a celebration that has been carried out for 225 years, in tribute to Our Lady of Nazaré. It congretates almost two million faithful on the streets of Belém do Pará (Bra- zil), thus doubling the number of residents during the festive period. This complex ritual, made up of a series of processions that preserve the original structure, revives the myth of the origin of this festival in a specific way. To explain this, it was necessary to consider historical events in conjunction with the popular imagination; therefore, the objective of this work is to contribute to the discussion and the reflection of historians and anthropologists who have delved into the theme of The Candle, but above all, to incorpórate the point of view of a group of men who make up the “Guard of Our Lady de Nazaré,” since they are the ones who experience the organization of the celebration on a yearly basis.