Residents and tourists visited the illuminated 'Caminho das Luzes' parade in Gramado last Tuesday (the 27th). This public procession moved through the city center with lit candles and was accompanied by a religious blessing, thereby reviving the origins of Natal Luz, which was created in 1986.
The participants gathered at Praça das Etnias, where they received candles and heard words from Father Neymar Pires, a parishioner of the São Pedro parish. From there, the group proceeded along Avenida Borges de Medeiros to Rua Coberta.
'Caminho das Luzes' is part of the 41st Natal Luz of Gramado program and takes place every Wednesday at 6:30 PM. This event is free and will continue until January 17, 2027, along with the rest of the festival.
The history of Natal Luz began as a public celebration. Inspired by Christmas festivities from rural Germany, the mayor's office and residents of Gramado organized a special program in 1986 to illuminate the city and celebrate the end of the year.
On December 26 of that year, about 700 singers from 35 Gaucho choirs left Lake Joaquim Rita Bier towards the center, carrying lit candles and Christmas carols. The procession was also accompanied by 20 Noel Fathers.
Upon arrival at Praça Matriz São Pedro, about nine thousand people were waiting for the group. In front of the church, the choirs performed under the direction of the Porto Alegre Sinfonicon Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Eleazar de Carvalho. This concert entered history as one of the landmark moments of the first edition of the event. The format of the illuminated parade was restored at the 40th edition of Natal Luz in 2025, in honor of the festival's 40th anniversary.
The Natal Luz celebration began on October 22 and continues until January 17, 2027. The official opening took place on Avenida Borges de Medeiros, opposite the Palácio dos Festivais, featuring performances by the Christmas Group and the Keeper of the Stories of Gramado.
The ceremony provided an overview of the main shows taking place in the city during the season. The Grand Christmas Parade brings characters and allegories to the streets, while Nativitaten focuses on music and visual effects. Additionally, Brilho do Natal, Natal Luz in Concert, and the Christmas Parade complement the artistic program. The opening also included a symbolic moment when Mayor Nestor Tissot handed over the city key and the Book of Stories of Gramado to Santa Claus, officially marking the start of the celebrations.
Thanks to paid and free attractions, the event covers various points of the municipality over almost three months. The full program can be found on the official website.