I was lucky enough to be in Salvador to celebrate the Festa do Bonfim, which is a major annual celebration. Taking place on the 2nd Thursday, the streets are filled with many people wearing all white. Starting at the Basilica de Conceicao da Praia, the ceremony is lead by a large group of Bahian women dressed in traditional white Bahian clothing. They then walk 7km to the Bonfim Church to clean the steps. This is done to honor the Candomble patron saint, Nosso Senhor de Bonfim and Oxala, the god of gods. Throughout this walk the women dance and sing chants in Yuroba Language (Nigeria). I didn't get a chance to see the group of women that lead the ceremony since they started very early in the morning, however I followed other groups that were part of the celebration. I ended up going with people I had met at the hostel in Pelourinho. In total we walked 14km, there and back, probably the longest walk of my life but it was worth being part of such a major celebration.
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| I went to university with Nina from Sao Paulo. We just happened to meet randomly in Salvador, oh destiny. |
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| The other travelers I met at the hostel. |
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| Man dancing on stilts, talent. |
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| Just some clowns to amuse the crowd. |
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| She has wonderful balance. |
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| There was a lot of people out that day. |
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| We finally reached our destination. |
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| One of these is mine. |
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| Thousands of ribbons are tied onto the gates and the front door. |
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