Over a million people participated in the Halleluya 2026 festival in Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil) over five days, from July 22nd to 26th. Residents of the Saint Monica’s Home, run by the Augustinian Recollects and located near the festival grounds, also took part in some of the events.
For these girls and teenagers, it was a moment of prayer, joy, spiritual renewal, and curiosity. They live at the Saint Monica’s Home after being sent there by the appropriate authorities because they had suffered, or were at serious risk of suffering, abuse, abandonment, exploitation, or violence of any kind.
Therefore, the presence of the Halleluya Fest at the doors of their Home is a wonderful opportunity to create beautiful memories and feel the affection of so many people celebrating their faith in an atmosphere of wholesome joy.
The 29th edition of Halleluya drew a million people over its five days. The scale of the event is enormous, with 90% of hotel rooms booked and special public transportation systems in place. It is one of the largest Catholic festivals in Latin America and one of the most important events on the Fortaleza city calendar. Its lineup typically features virtually all the stars of the Catholic music scene in Brazil.
The 90,000 square meter space included two stages with live music, an exhibition, a children’s area, an interactive games area, a donation area for non-perishable food and blood, and a space named Mercy, with a chapel and pastoral services. All of this is coordinated through a dedicated app. And it’s free.
It also features a podcast in which the founder of the Shalom Catholic Community talks with guest bishops about evangelization, youth, challenges facing the Church… And TV Verdes Mares broadcast live the last day of the festival.
This year, at the Condomínio Espiritual Uirapuru (CEU), were present the artists Adoração e Vida, Adriana Arydes, Ana Clara Rocha & Ítalo Poeta, Colo de Deus, Cosme, Davidson Silva, Eliana Ribeiro, Flávio Vitor Jr., Fraternidade São João Paulo II, Frei Gilson, Gabriela de Sá, Guilherme de Sá, Irmã Kelly performed Patrícia, Laura Salvador, Missionário Morelzinho, Naldo José, Father Fábio de Melo, Father Marcelo Rossi, Pitter di Laura, Rosa de Saron, Sopragod, Suely Façanha and Yuri Costa.
There were also dance performances, community prayer, the Eucharist, and a specific message from Pope Leo
