Our Lady of Aparecida / Children’s Day in Brazil ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Our Lady of Aparecida / Children’s Day in Brazil and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida is also known as Children’s Day. It is celebrated on October 12th, which is the day that the Patroness of Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida, is said to have appeared to three children who were fishing in the Paraiba River. The story goes that the children found a clay statue of the Virgin Mary in the river and took it home with them.
Our Lady of Aparecida is now the most popular religious icon in Brazil and her feast day is celebrated by millions of Brazilians, both Catholic and non-Catholic. On this day, many Brazilian families take their children to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, which is located in the city of Aparecida, in the state of Sao Paulo.
In addition to being a religious holiday, Children’s Day is also a time for families to spend time together and to give gifts to their children. Many Brazilian schools are closed on this day so that children can enjoy the holiday.