From Lisbon : Fatima to the Night – Experience of the Candle Procession
Description
This tour leads you to moments of deep devotion in the Chapel of Apparitions and the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. There, every step seems to involve the heart, as if the sacred silence welcomed its prayers. You will be able to participate in the Holy Rosary and the Candle Procession, when hundreds of lights tremble in the wind, creating an atmosphere of peace so intense that it comes to emotion. The glow of the candles, combined with the voices in prayer, awaken a sense of belonging and transcendence impossible to describe. It is a night of living spirituality, capable of touching the soul and turning the moment into an eternal memory. A truly unique and unforgettable experience, ideal for those who seek not only a walk, but a deep spiritual and cultural connection, felt in every gesture, every corner, every light that lights in the heart.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Guests must be ready at the hotel's lobby/reception 5 minutes before the specified time. The Guide will be identified as Zoom Travel. The standard meeting point for those who do not request pick-up is the HF Fénix Lisboa – Plaza Marquês de Pombal 8.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for elderly people with reduced mobility.
- Not recommended for people with mobility difficulties due to stairs and irregular terrain in Fatima.
Reviews(23)
Awesome, best tour experience!!! The guides are very professional, punctual, knowledgeable and friendly. They go the extra mile to make your tour experience unique and unforgeable. They drove us up to our hotel although we did not book hotel delivery. Highly recommended. Look no further, book them now...
This was a beautiful experience. Attila was a kind, compassionate and knowledgeable guide. I was grateful for all he shared and appreciated the pickup at my hotel. I didn’t realize that Fatima was 1.5 hours from Lisboa, but I’m still very glad I took the trip. The candle ceremony is one I’ll remember fondly always.
Very fulfilling Experience, felt so blessed to be part of the procession and holy rosary in different languages. Rafael our tour guide is very engaging and informative. He is prompt and clear with directions. He explains things very clearly , He is the best tour guide. He drives safe and made sure we are Comfortable the whole trip.
Rafael and Francisco took care of all of us from beginning to end. They both were very knowledgeable about the history of Lisbon and the history of Fatima. They led us around the Fatima Shrine and pointed out the significance of the buildings and artifacts around the Shrine. We had a solemn and fulfilling evening of prayer and candlelight procession. Thank you to both Francisco and Rafael!
Excellent option for visiting the Sanctuary of Fátima, small group, incredible experience that included the Rosary and the candlelight procession. Comfortable van, the guide Atilla was very kind and an expert in that destination. I highly recommend it.
Atilla was the most amazing tour guide we had in Portugal, the knowledge, the experience he knows everything about the place, the care with us was incredible, couldn’t have been more perfect!!
Francisco was a wonderful guide. It is not easy being the only solo person on a group tour but Francisco made me feel comfortable and even helped me practice my Portuguese! I recommend the evening trip because you see Fatima in the sunshine, sunset, and evening for the beautiful candlelight procession. Bring a sweater, it is cool at nite.
Excellent service, attention, and very complete explanation. It was a very good experience in every way. The guide Atilla explained everything to us, gave us time for shopping, dinner, the rosary, and the procession. Highly recommended
It was very uplifting experience, I am glad there is such available tour. I will highly recommend it to family and friends. Gue was excellent guide and very thorough.
This was a truly beautiful and memorable experience. Attending the candlelight procession at Our Lady of Fatima was incredibly moving, and I’m so grateful I chose this tour. Everything was well organized, making it easy to simply be present and enjoy the evening. Our guide, Atila, was excellent—friendly, knowledgeable, and thoughtful throughout the trip. He shared helpful historical and spiritual context without ever being overwhelming, and he made the experience feel seamless from start to finish. If you’re visiting Portugal and want to experience Fatima in a meaningful way, I highly recommend this tour, especially with Atila as your guide.
