With havens for religious tourism in Bahia among the highlights, the 16th Expocatólica ended last Sunday (21), at Pro Magno – Centro de Eventos, in São Paulo. The Catholic Products and Services Fair brought together about 22,000 participants, from Brazil and abroad, in four days of activities. The Pavilion of the Bahia Tourism Administration (Setur-BA) was one of the most sought after, where the sanctuaries of Santa Dulce dos Popres and Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia in Salvador were represented; Bom Jesus da Lapa, in Caminhos do Oeste; and Nossa Senhora das Candias, in the Baia de Todos-Os-Santos region.
“We have promoted the natural beauty, culture and religiosity of the Caminhos do Oeste tourist area, where many people and companies are looking for information about our itineraries and attractions, as well as the sanctuary. Setur-BA has been a great partner,” says culture and tourism promoter, João Paulo Liles , who represents Bom Jesus da Lapa.
According to operator Claudimir Carvalho, who sells religious tourism packages in the south of the country, Bahia is a favorite destination for Catholics. “Research Expressions of Faith from Bahia was a difference. We send groups of 30 people to Salvador every 15 days. Bahia is, without a doubt, the most popular Catholic itinerary.”
Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce (OSID) Tourism Coordinator Rosa Brito celebrated the event with interest in the history of Brazil’s first saint.
“We receive about 50,000 people a month in the sanctuary complex, in Largo de Roma, with the exception of Espaço Santa Dulce, which transfers the airport of Salvador. The numbers must increase, because, at the fair, the demand has been enormous, both from believers and from agencies from the various regions of Brazil.”
Famous – Pavilion Bahia at Expocatólica was visited by Father Antonio Maria, who was famous as a singer and had already performed duets with Roberto Carlos and Fava de Belém, among other artists. The space was also visited by actress Mirian Rios, who worked with Rede Globo, who was a Catholic missionary and devoted herself to theatre.
“Friendly zombie guru. Avid pop culture scholar. Freelance travel geek. Wannabe troublemaker. Coffee specialist.”