Washing of Escadarias do Bomfim Picture 4

More information on Bonfim Stair Washing Festival in Salvador Photo by: Gov/Ba

Bonfim Stair Washing Festival in Salvador

Washing of Bonfim

The Washing of the Bonfim Stairs is considered the second most popular event of Bahia, second only to Carnival. The ritual is repeated every year since 1754, brings together thousands of people and it always happens on the second Thursday of the month of January.

The celebration begins at 10 am, when participants are focused in front of the Church of Conceição da Praia to begin a journey of 8 km to the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. The procession is led by Bahian women in costumes - turbans, starched skirts, bracelets and necklaces - vessels that carry water to smell. Behind them comes the block Sons of Gandhi and a crowd of faithful. All are dressed in white, which I hope will be the color of the Yoruba god syncretized with Senhor do Bonfim.

After just over an hour, the procession reaches the ladder, where many viewers expect. Originally the interior of the church was washed away, but today the water is ritually poured out of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, a symbolic gesture of purification. The Bahian wet with water to smell the steps of the staircase, which also lay flowers, while all sing the anthem of the Lord of Bonfim.

After the party many people flock to the stalls scattered around the church to experience the typical Bahian acarajé. You can also buy the traditional ribbons Senhor do Bonfim, which has exactly the same arm length of the image that is within the Church. It is believed that by tying it on your wrist you must make three requests that will be performed when the ribbon falls.

When to go:
In early January, because the event is always held the second Thursday of the month in midsummer.

Directions:

Aircraft: Northeast, Passaredo, Rio-Sul, Tam Transbrasil, Varig, VASP.

Bus: All Capital of Brazil have direct lines to the Savior.

Where to stay:

Transamerica Salvador - R. Mount Council, 505 (Red River)
te.l (71) 330-2233 / fax. (71) 330-2200

Salvador Beach - Ocean Av, 2338 (Ondine)
tel. (71) 245-5033 / fax. (71) 245-5003

Lighthouse - Ocean Avenue, 68 (Bar)
tel. (71) 336-6611 / fax. (71) 245-4436

Tourist information:

Dial-Tourism tel: 131

Bahiatursa - tel (71) 321-2463

http://www.terra.com.br/multimidia/minutobrasil/bonfim.htm