World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Record 52,000 pilgrims traveled Via Dutra, with no deaths reported
A record 52,000 pilgrims traveled on Via Dutra between Oct.
1 and 12, according to its operator, RioSP.
They were heading to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida in São Paulo state for the Oct.
12 celebration of Brazil’s patron saint.
The Safe Pilgrimage Project, run by RioSP with the national land transport agency and support from federal highway police, aimed to help protect people making the journey.
Support points along Via Dutra and the Rota da Luz gave out water, reflective clothing and other supplies, and recorded more than 120,000 visits.
The operation ended on Oct.
12, with no deaths reported.
Teams assisted six people after two incidents; two had more serious injuries and four had minor injuries.
The figures show the scale of the pilgrimage and the safety effort, but no further plans were stated.
The Via Dutra recorded 52,000 pilgrims between October 1 and 12, a record, according to its operator, RioSP.
No deaths were reported during the Safe Pilgrimage Project, which ended on October 12.
The number of pilgrims was 30% higher than in 2025, or about 12,000 more people.
The initiative supported people traveling to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida for the October 12 celebration.
Organizers reported more than 120,000 support services across the Via Dutra and the Rota da Luz.
- Who
- RioSP, which operates the Via Dutra, reported the figures for pilgrims and support services.
- What
- A record 52,000 pilgrims traveled on the Via Dutra, and no deaths were reported during the Safe Pilgrimage Project.
- When
- The pilgrimage count covered October 1 to 12, 2026. The project ended on October 12.
- Where
- Along the Via Dutra and Rota da Luz in São Paulo state, including the Moreira César toll plaza.
- Why
- Pilgrims were traveling to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida for the patron saint of Brazil’s celebration on October 12.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
RioSP counted 52,000 pilgrims passing through the Moreira César toll plaza.
Support points operated for 18 hours a day during the first days of the operation.
Support points operated 24 hours a day.
The project ended at 2 p.m.; RioSP reported no deaths and said teams assisted people in two incidents.
- Pilgrims counted
- 52,000
- Period counted
- October 1–12, 2026
- Increase from 2025
- 30%, or about 12,000 more pilgrims
- Via Dutra support services
- 103,000
- Rota da Luz support services
- 18,000
- Fatalities reported
- None
Sources
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