BONFIM´S WASHING
FEEL THE VIBE
FEEL THE VIBE
2nd Thursday of the year and the atmosphere is already Carnival.
It's 9 o'clock in the morning. The day is cloudy. Still, the heat is intense and promises a day of great fun and devotion.
Necklaces, bracelets, beads, amulets, ribbons, flowers. The intense perfume of the scented water that the Bahian women sprinkle on the faithful.
A lively crowd. Lots of happiness in the air.
The people who walked concentrated, spread out when they reach the Basilica square, which is too small to accommodate so many people.
Street food, shooting, singing, prayers, hugs, lots of beer. The entire neighborhood breathes the joy of the Senhor do Bonfim festival.
Carnival will soon arrive.
PHOTOS Oxente
1 million people gathered in front of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia. Richly decorated baianas. Lots of them.
A huge crowd. Almost everyone dressed in white. All prepared for the 7 km walk that will take them to the Basilica of Senhor do Bonfim.
It is not a public holiday in Salvador, but it is common for people to take the day off. That's why it's possible to have so many people gathered for this event that is a mixture of reverence for Senhor do Bonfim and the inauguration of the Carnival festivities.
The celebration, in fact, reproduces and recalls Oxalá's journey to the kingdom of Oyó and the long journey through the streets of the city brings some challenges similar to those that Oxalá lived in his saga.
In Brazilian religious syncretism, Oxalá and Senhor do Bonfim are the same person. Celebrating one is honoring the other.
The avenues that border the sea seem narrow, the crowd fills every available space. The group takes about 4 hours to complete the trek. They walk slowly to keep the group together, to keep the party going. A large human mass. Jesus goes ahead, opening the way.
Various types of prayers and various profane songs are heard. You see people focused on the act of devotion, as well as others who are there more for the celebration with their friends.
The arrival at the Basilica is marked by the washing of the Church's stairs and with the blessings and baths given by the fathers and mothers of saints to all those who wish to do so.
The physical contact between people and their with the things that represent the Saint, the Orixá and faith in general (such as the colored ribbons that everyone wants to tie to the Church's railing) are an important part of acts of devotion.
Brazilian religious syncretism is more than evidently present here: a beautiful communion of beliefs, a celebration of respect for various forms of reverence.
PHOTOS Washing of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim
The Legend “Water of Oxalá”
BASTIDORES
Quem vive as festas tem sempre
umas experiências curiosas...