Rumor to Christmas: Illuminated Maria Fumaça travels through cities in Paraná and Santa Catarina
Between December 2 and 20, the historic locomotive will have Santa Claus on board and cultural performances along the route; Curitiba hosts the biggest event of the program in the Southern Region
The whistle of Maria Fumaça announces the arrival of Christmas. From December 2 to 20, Christmas will take place in the cities of Paraná and Santa Catarina with the lighted and decorated locomotive for the holidays, bringing Santa Claus on board and a program that celebrates the culture and tradition of the railway.
One of the highlights of this edition will be the cultural show in Curitiba, on December 6 (Sunday). The presentation, which this year wins an expanded edition and will be the largest of the cultural programming of the Towards Christmas in the Southern Region, officially integrates the Christmas of Curitiba 2026.
"Towards Christmas mobilizes thousands of people every year, inside and outside of the Rumo. This is an event that offers us the opportunity to strengthen relationships with communities, to transmit knowledge about railway safety, and to reinforce the company’s commitment to the preservation of railway memory and heritage. Maria Fumaça is the symbol of this: it is 76 years in operation, demonstrating that the magic of Christmas happens along the way", highlights Tatiana Montório, manager of Social Responsibility of Rumo.
The agenda also includes musical performances in several cities, valuing local artists and expanding leisure options for families during the Christmas period. The program begins on December 2 in Lapa (PR), and continues through different localities in Paraná, such as Ponta Grossa, Curitiba, Antonina, Morretes and Paranaguá. In the state, the agenda includes four cultural presentations, in addition to the circulation of the illuminated Smoke Maria.
From December 14, the Route to Christmas arrives at Santa Catarina, passing through cities such as Mafra, Rio Negrinho, São Bento do Sul, Corupá, São Francisco do Sul, Joinville and Jaraguá do Sul.
The Catarinense script will also have cultural presentations in São Francisco do Sul, with the Banda Guarani, and in Jaraguá do Sul, with the SCAR Chamber Group.
Towards Christmas has the sponsorship of Rumo, through the Rumo Institute; with the realization of the Fire Events; of the Ministry of Culture, through the Law of Incentive to Culture (Rouanet Law) and the Federal Government.
Railway heritage (France)
Manufactured in 1950, the Mallet 204 steam locomotive is recognized as the only steam locomotive in operation in South America. As Maria Fumaça walks the tracks illuminated and decorated for Christmas, she keeps Brazilian railway history alive and brings the public closer to this historical heritage in a celebration that unites tradition, culture and the Christmas spirit.
Care for safety
In order for everyone to be able to watch the transition from Towards Christmas safely, the company advises on some essential care:
- Maintain safe distance of 15 meters from the railway before, during and after the passage of the train;
- Choose a safe place to record photos and videos;
- Never try to touch or get on locomotives or wagons, even if they are stopped;
- Redouble attention with children and pets. Parents and guardians should always keep them safe.
Programming
The public can consult the complete program of the event at this link or in the official channels of Rumo, accessing @rumologistica.
