The pilgrimage to the Fonte de João Maria do Covó and the history of the former district shape Covó. Other religious and landscape connections are found in the municipality of Mangueirinha.

The pilgrimage to the Fonte de João Maria do Covó

The 16-kilometre pilgrimage route begins in the urban area of Mangueirinha, follows the PR 459 to the spring, and is covered on foot or by bicycle. A 2021 academic study describes it as an established pilgrimage.

Processions at the spring on Good Friday are recorded as part of devotional practice.

Covó: former district and named waterfalls

Covó was a former settlement. State Law No. 3,213 of 30/07/1957 established it as a district and incorporated it into the municipality of Mangueirinha. This history explains its administrative connection to Mangueirinha, while Covó remains a place name in its own right.

Cachoeira do Rio Marrecas is at Covó, Mangueirinha, Paraná, 85540-000. It should not be confused with Cachoeira do Covó, which is listed as a waterfall in the municipality of Mangueirinha.

Religious traditions in the wider context of Mangueirinha

Água Santa de Covó also belongs to the municipality of Mangueirinha. A 2021 academic description presents it as a place dedicated to worship, where benzedeiras and rezadores practise healing traditions. The similar name links this reference to Covó, but the place described is located in Mangueirinha.

Another distinct devotional route in Mangueirinha is the Caminhada do Monge: a Christian pilgrimage to a spring, associated with Good Friday. The tradition is described as beginning before dawn and drawing hundreds of worshippers; those mentioned as taking part include walkers, cyclists, tropeiros and runners. A 2024 regional overview also lists the Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes in February in the municipality of Mangueirinha. If any of these events are important to your stay, check the exact dates before travelling.

History and landscape in the municipality of Mangueirinha

Mangueirinha’s history includes the tropeiros, whose cattle drives crossed the Rio Iguaçu. The construction of cattle corrals, called for in 1864, was intended to make these crossings easier. After the end of tropeirismo, yerba mate production became the main economic activity; pigs were also raised in the safras system. This historical development offers a different perspective on Mangueirinha from its pilgrimage and devotional sites.

Mangueirinha’s natural tourist attractions include the reservoir of the Governador Ney Braga hydroelectric plant. Together with Cachoeira do Covó, which is listed in the municipality, it broadens the landscape context of the trip. This information refers to Mangueirinha and should not be conflated with the location of Cachoeira do Rio Marrecas in Covó.

Choose accommodation based on the focus of your trip

If the spring and the history of the former district are what matter most to you, you can choose Covó as your holiday rental search destination. If you are planning a stay around Good Friday or the Festa listed in February, it is also worth checking the dates before booking.

Discover more destinations

Jataizinho, Laranjeiras Do Sul, Guarapuava, Campina Grande Do Sul, Dois Vizinhos, Cambé, Tijucas Do Sul, Castro

For the full travel overview: Paraná.