Christ the Redeemer marks 95 years on 12 October 2026

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) marked its 95th anniversary in Rio de Janeiro on 12 October 2026 with a programme combining worship, an exhibition and social services. The date also coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil.

Christ the Redeemer anniversary programme reached Corcovado

The anniversary programme began at 7am at Paineiras Visitor Centre with the opening of Christ the Redeemer - Towards 100 Years. The exhibition presents works and historical material about the monument, while part of its collection is intended for a future museum.

A thanksgiving Mass followed at 7.30am, led by Rio de Janeiro Archbishop Orani Tempesta and concelebrated by Father Omar, rector of the sanctuary. The programme also included a commemorative stamp created by artist Oskar Metsavaht with the sanctuary and Brazil's postal service, plus a ceremony involving anniversary medals.

The day continued with Masses at the sanctuary at 11am, 3pm and 5pm, and the Angelus at midday. The published 95th anniversary programme also listed a procession connected with Our Lady of Aparecida.

Corcovado landmark enters its countdown to 2031

The 12 October celebration placed the Paineiras exhibition between the monument's past and its next major milestone. Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated on 12 October 1931, so the 95th anniversary began the programme's stated countdown towards its centenary in 2031.

The statue stands on Corcovado Hill inside Tijuca National Park. It overlooks Rio de Janeiro and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, according to Brazil's public broadcaster. That setting links the anniversary exhibition to both the sanctuary and the protected landscape around the summit.

The anniversary was not limited to the mountain. The Ação de Amor do Cristo Redentor social programme took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral in central Rio de Janeiro, with services for people experiencing social vulnerability. The sanctuary described this city-centre activity as a major part of the 12 October programme.

October programme connected the sanctuary with Rio

The wider October schedule included religious services, themed lighting and activities linked to the Corcovado Train. It also included the closing of the Clássico é Brincar campaign on 31 October, which sought toys and children's books for vulnerable children.

For travellers, the anniversary matters because the main cultural element was placed at Paineiras Visitor Centre rather than inside the statue itself. The religious celebrations took place at the sanctuary, while the social programme moved to the cathedral in central Rio.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The anniversary programme centred on 12 October 2026. The exhibition opened at 7am at Paineiras Visitor Centre, followed by the 7.30am Mass and stamp launch.
• The programme included Masses at 11am, 3pm and 5pm at the sanctuary, plus the Angelus at midday. The social action was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral in central Rio de Janeiro.
• The landmark is on Corcovado Hill in Tijuca National Park, above Rio de Janeiro. The anniversary exhibition was at Paineiras Visitor Centre, not at the summit statue itself.
• The site combines a religious sanctuary with a protected natural setting. Visitors should therefore expect a hilltop location within a national park rather than a city-centre museum complex.
• Brazil's official language is Portuguese and its currency is the Brazilian real.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Christ the Redeemer

When did the Christ the Redeemer anniversary programme take place?

The central anniversary programme took place on 12 October 2026, with events at Paineiras Visitor Centre, the sanctuary and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

What is the Christ the Redeemer exhibition?

Christ the Redeemer - Towards 100 Years is an exhibition about the monument, with works and historical material linked to the countdown to its centenary in 2031.

Where is Christ the Redeemer and how do you get there?

The monument is on Corcovado Hill inside Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro. The anniversary exhibition was held at Paineiras Visitor Centre, while the social action took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral in central Rio.