Lavagem do Bonfim
lavagem bonfim english washing bonfim interreligious celebration celebrated brazilian city salvador state bahia month january thursday second sunday three king day period also solemn novenary exposition blessed sacrament interrupted day washing procession basilica conception church lord bonfim along exposition small image lord bonfim facade temple church chaplain special blessing present traditional washing confused festa bonfim english feast bonfim event concludes novenary following sunday mass celebrated saint event began member devotion lord bonfim composed lay devotee forced enslaved wash decorate church part preparation feast later candomblé follower lavagem bonfim became part ceremony water oxalá afterwards archdiocese salvador banned washing inside church moved ritual step churchyard traditional washing door church remain closed baianas pour scented water step churchyard sound afroreligious song chant although ritual ecumenical aspect teodósio rodrigues de farias officer portuguese navy brought lisbon image christ taken great fanfare basilica sanctuary lady penha itapagipe city salvador july image transferred procession church colina sagrada attribution miraculous power made lord bonfim object popular devotion center mystical syncretic pilgrimage lavagem bonfim begin traditional procession baianas departing basilica conception thursday morning top bonfim everyone dress white color orisha walk kilometer procession largo da conceição largo bonfim highlight celebration step church washed around baianas dressed character quartinhas pot carry shoulder pour water onto step church atrium sound clapping drumming chant african origin religious part festivity continue largo bonfim batucadas dance stall selling drink typical food sunday washing devotee gather church lady sea procession three request run along largo de rom towards bonfim arrival colina sagrada faithful circle basilica three time make three request sermon solemn mass blessing blessed sacrament end celebration afrobrazilian culture syncretism