Procession of Senhor dos Passos da Graça goes through Lisbon

With more than four centuries of history, the traditional Procession of the Lord of the Steps returned to the streets of Lisbon today, along a route full of religious and historical symbolism. The ceremony, which is considered one of the largest and oldest religious events of the Lenten period, began at the Church of São Roque, located in Bairro Alto, and ended at the Church of Graça, in the historic district that gave it its name.

The procession passes through emblematic places in the city, including the streets of Misericórdia, Garrett, Carmo, Rossio, Martim Moniz, Calçada dos Cavaleiros and Calçada de Santo André, until it reaches Graça. Along the way, the procession makes seven traditional stops - the so-called "Steps" - evoking the moments of the Passion of Christ, associated with the time of Lent.

The Patriarch of Lisbon, Bishop Rui Valério, solemnly blessed the city with the Holy Wood, a relic of the Cross on which Christ was crucified. This symbolic moment took place in the Church of Graça, marking the end of the route with a Mass celebrated by the Patriarch.

The Procession of the Lord of the Steps originated in 1587, when it was instituted.