Of all the moments in Fátima, the candlelight procession is the one that stays with people. After dark, thousands of pilgrims hold candles as the statue of Our Lady is carried across the Sanctuary esplanade, while the Ave de Fátima is sung in one language after another. Here is what first-time visitors need to know.
When it happens
The procession follows the evening Rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions, the small chapel built on the spot of the 1917 apparitions. It is part of every anniversary pilgrimage on the evenings of the 12th of each month from May to October, and takes place on many other evenings during the pilgrimage season. On the great pilgrimage nights of 12 May and 12 October, it becomes a sea of light. In past years it has started around 21:30, but always check the Sanctuary's official schedule.
What happens
- The Rosary is prayed at the Chapel of the Apparitions, with decades led in several languages.
- The procession leaves the chapel carrying the statue of Our Lady of Fátima and moves slowly around the esplanade, with pilgrims holding their candles high at each Ave.
- The celebration ends back at the chapel, often followed by a moment of silent prayer.
Where to stand
The esplanade is enormous, so there is room for everyone, but the atmosphere changes depending on where you are:
- Near the Chapel of the Apparitions: closest to the Rosary and the start of the procession, and the most crowded. Arrive well in advance.
- Along the procession route: you see the statue pass close by.
- Higher up, near the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: the best view of the whole sea of candles, and a little calmer.
What to bring
- A candle with a paper wind-shield, sold at the Sanctuary stalls and nearby shops.
- Warm layers. Fátima sits on a plateau and evenings are noticeably cooler than Lisbon, even in summer.
- A rain jacket rather than an umbrella, which blocks other people's view.
- A folding stool if you find standing for a long time difficult.
- A charged phone and a meeting point agreed in advance with your group.
Getting back to Lisbon afterwards
This is the part many visitors forget to plan. The procession ends late, and on pilgrimage nights thousands of people leave at the same time. Bus departures back to Lisbon in the late evening are limited and sell out, and driving yourself means a 1h15 to 1h30 motorway drive late at night after a long day.
If you are staying in Lisbon, a private driver who waits in Fátima and drives you back after the procession is the most relaxed option, especially for families and older pilgrims. When you request a quote, choose "Until after the evening candlelight procession" as your waiting time.
Frequently asked questions
When is the candlelight procession in Fátima?
It follows the evening Rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions. It is held on the evenings of the 12th of each month from May to October, and on many other evenings during the pilgrimage season. Check the Sanctuary's schedule for the dates of your visit.
Where can I buy a candle for the procession?
Candles with paper wind-shields are sold at the Sanctuary's own stalls and in the shops around it.
How long does the candlelight procession last?
Allow around one and a half to two hours for the Rosary and procession together, and more on the great pilgrimage days, when many pilgrims arrive hours early to find a place.
How do I get back to Lisbon after the candlelight procession?
Public transport back to Lisbon late in the evening is limited, especially on pilgrimage days. Many visitors arrange a private driver who waits in Fátima and drives them back after the procession.
Stay for the procession, we'll drive you home
We wait in Fátima and drive you back to your Lisbon hotel after the candlelight procession. Sedans, V-Class vans and minibuses.
Free quote within 24h · No payment required to enquire
Plan your trip: The Fátima candlelight procession
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
More Fátima guides
- Pilgrimage · October 2026Fátima Pilgrimage 12–13 October 2026: What to Know Before You Go
- Getting ThereLisbon to Fátima: Bus, Train, Car or Private Driver Compared
- AccessibilityVisiting Fátima with Elderly Relatives or Reduced Mobility
- ServicePrivate transport from Lisbon to Fátima
Official times and programmes: Sanctuary of Fátima. Always check the official site before you travel, as schedules can change.
