Christ the Redeemer will be lit in the colors of Italy and Brazil to celebrate the 75th anniversary of CCIE, with a mass and cultural events in Rio.
A tribute on Rio’s most iconic monument
To mark 75 years of the Italian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIE), Christ the Redeemer will be illuminated in the colors of the Italian and Brazilian flags. The tribute takes place on Monday, 8 December, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The initiative celebrates the institution’s legacy and symbolizes the strong ties between the two nations.
Choosing Rio’s most iconic monument reinforces both the city’s connection with the Chamber and the historical bond between Italians and Brazilians. The date also coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Italy’s patron saint. In this way, spirituality, culture and diplomacy converge in a single gesture.
Partnership with Christ the Redeemer Shrine
The action is the result of a long-standing partnership between CCIE and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Christ the Redeemer. Over the years, this relationship has been strengthened through support for social projects and initiatives that benefit the city. The special lighting intends to convey a message of unity, peace and gratitude for 75 years of welcoming the Italian community in Rio.
On the following day, 9 December, at 5 p.m., a Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated at the Shrine. The ceremony reinforces the spirit of celebration between Brazil and Italy. Every year, Christ the Redeemer is also lit on 2 June, Italy’s Republic Day, in partnership with the Consulate General of Italy in Rio de Janeiro.
Celebrations at ITALIANORIO and 2026 program
The commemorations continue with a festive event at the ITALIANORIO Cultural Hub and Praça Itália, also on 8 December. In 2026, the program carries on with the ItaliaNoRio Award, scheduled for 26 February, in reference to Immigrant Day, celebrated on 21 February. The award recognizes individuals and institutions that contribute to Italian culture in Rio.
“All these celebrations — at Christ the Redeemer and in the cultural hubs — aim to strengthen ties between Brazil and Italy. We hope these events will highlight the joy of both peoples and serve as a starting point for new connections across different sectors of the Cidade Maravilhosa,” says Renata Novotny, president of the Italian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – RJ.
New initiatives under the Made In Italy program
In 2026, CCIE will promote further initiatives through its Made In Italy program. In addition to the ItaliaNoRio Award, a special event in honor of singer Teresa Cristina is planned for 14 March. The goal is to bring Italian culture even closer to the Brazilian public.
Bilateral relations will also be strengthened by the “Mission to Milan”, which will take architects and designers to the Salone del Mobile, one of the world’s leading design fairs. The 2026 calendar also includes new editions of Buondì CEO!, a meeting that brings together top executives from major Italian companies operating in Brazil to discuss leadership, innovation and sustainability.
75 years building bridges between Brazil and Italy
Founded in the post-war period, CCIE was created to bring Brazil and Italy closer together. Over seven and a half decades, it has become a strategic bridge between the two countries. The Chamber has supported business missions, promoted key industrial sectors and helped Italian companies see Brazil as fertile ground to invest and grow.
Its trajectory stands out for a broad and integrated approach. The institution brings together companies, governments, universities and civil society in initiatives that strengthen bilateral dialogue. Seminars, business meetings and projects under Contemporary Made In Italy align with ESG principles and the demands of a modern, sustainable economy.
Through this set of actions, CCIE reaffirms its role as a key player in fostering long-term partnerships. The tribute at Christ the Redeemer marks not only an anniversary milestone but also a renewed commitment to the future of Italian-Brazilian relations.
Service
Tribute: Christ the Redeemer lit in the colors of Italy and Brazil
Date: 8 December
Time: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Venue: Christ the Redeemer Shrine, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Thanksgiving Mass: 9 December, 5 p.m., at Christ the Redeemer Shrine
More information: official website of the Italian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
