Bahia, Brazil: largest popular religious festival in Salvador, Lavagem do Bonfim returns after two years

The biggest popular religious festival in Salvador, capital of Bahia, the Lavagem da Escadaria da Igreja do Bonfim, resumed this Thursday, the 12th, after two years without taking place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The procession, commanded by more than 300 typically dressed Bahians, left the Conceição da Praia church at around 9 am in the direction of Colina Sagrada.

There are eight kilometers of procession, which is animated by afoxés, batucadas and the governor of Bahia, Jerônimo Rodrigues (PT), and his deputy Geraldo Júnior (MDB), were present at the celebration.

“It’s very important. Two years off. It is a very strong party that every Bahian enjoys. The afoxés are here to bring much peace, strength and health to all of us from Salvador”, comments one of the afoxés.

An elderly lady who participated in the party also spoke about the event: “It is a blessing, mercy and graces achieved”.

As of this Friday, the 13th, the church of Bonfim reopens for Catholic programming, which continues until Sunday, the 15th.

For many Bahians, the year only really begins after the Lavagem da Escadaria.

*With information from reporter André Muzzell