Fatima consolidates its position as a destination of faith and religious to

Fatima consolidates its position as a destination of faith and religious tourism

13-04-25

As every year, the Shrine of Fatima is once again the centre of one of the largest Marian pilgrimages in the world. Today, 13 May, thousands of pilgrims from all five continents gather in this Portuguese city to commemorate the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three little shepherds in 1917. Devotion, emotion and spirituality fill the streets, confirming once again the central role of Fatima on the global map of religious tourism.

May 13th marks the first of the six apparitions that, according to Catholic tradition, took place in the Cova da Iria. Since then, Fatima has evolved from a small rural village to an international destination of faith and spirituality, attracting millions of visitors annually. It is also a meeting place for cultures, religions and generations, where the inner quest finds a symbolic and collective response.

This 2025, the celebration takes on special significance as Fatima reaffirms its commitment to sustainable and inclusive spiritual tourism as a founding member of the World Religious Tourism Network, an initiative driven by the Tourism and Society Think Tank (TSTT) since March 2024. This international network aims to strengthen the role of religious tourism as a vector of economic, social and cultural development, and to promote good practices in the management of pilgrimage destinations.

Being a founding member of this international network positions Fatima not only as a historical destination of devotion, but also as a global reference in the innovation of spiritual tourism.

During the events planned for today, there will be multiple Eucharists, processions, vigils and moments of community prayer. The traditional candlelight and farewell processions each year thrill thousands of pilgrims, who come not only out of religious conviction, but also attracted by the unique character of this collective experience. Many arrive on foot after days or weeks of walking, as a sign of faith or personal promise, reinforcing the experiential and emotional component of the pilgrimage.

The Shrine of Fatima has been able to adapt to the new demands of the spiritual traveller without losing its essence. Over the years it has improved its infrastructure, expanded its cultural offerings and incorporated multilingual reception services, all without compromising the sense of recollection and contemplation that characterises it. Moreover, its annual agenda includes educational activities, sacred concerts, temporary exhibitions and inter-religious encounters, reaffirming its role as a centre for dialogue and peace.

Aware of the impact that tourism can have on the local community, Fatima's religious and civil authorities also promote sustainable policies to ensure that the flow of visitors contributes positively to the environment. From the promotion of fair trade to the promotion of sustainable mobility and the preservation of intangible heritage, Fatima positions itself as a model of balance between hospitality and conservation.

May 13th in Fatima is not just a date in the liturgical calendar: it is a living symbol of the transformative power of faith and of tourism as a bridge between spirituality and culture. As a founding member of the World Religious Tourism Network, Fatima reaffirms its vocation to be, more than ever, a light for the world.

In collaboration with:

This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.

Legal notice