The celebrations brought attention to concerns about religious freedom after Bolsonaro promised to "decree that Brazil belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ" if elected president.

Some devotees fear the declaration could exclude other religious traditions, including devotion to Our Lady Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint.

Pilgrims filled the Walkway of Faith, which connects different parts of the religious complex. Some travelled on their knees to express gratitude, devotion and the fulfilment of religious vows.

Among those attending was Alisse Figuereido, a Catholic student who acknowledged the importance of Catholicism in Brazil but questioned the idea of defining the entire country through one religious belief .

"Catholicism in general is very important in Brazil, because for a long time it was the country's largest religion. If Flavio wins it is complicated, because he has already said explicitly in an interview that he was going to turn Brazil into a country of Jesus. He wants to exclude all the other saints and beliefs that exist in our country," she said.

Bolsonaro made the pledge in an August video posted on social media , describing it as one of his first actions if elected president.

Following criticism, his campaign clarified that the statement referred to a symbolic prayer during his inauguration and maintained that he respects all religions.

The controversy also renewed discussion about a 2007 bill introduced by former federal deputy Victorio Galli. The proposal sought to change Our Lady Aparecida's title from patron saint of Brazil to patron saint of Brazilian Catholics.

The bill was shelved in 2008, while Bolsonaro has denied any intention of changing the Virgin's title.

Wilton Fabricio, a devotee of congado, an Afro-Brazilian cultural and religious tradition, also expressed concern about possible discrimination against religions of African origin.

"Its underlying aim is to persecute religions of African origin, among them the religions where black people are. And regarding Our Lady Aparecida, they have already said they could end the holiday. This is not a game," Wilton said.

Devotion to Our Lady Aparecida began in October 1717, when three fishermen discovered a small terracotta image in the Paraíba do Sul River.

Pope Pius XI proclaimed the Virgin Brazil's patron saint in 1930, while 12 October became a national holiday in 1980.

For many pilgrims, the anniversary remains an occasion for prayer, gratitude and hope, while others see it as an opportunity to raise concerns about religious tolerance and respect for different beliefs.