Bonfim Festival

This unique,interesting and famous festival is celebrated in the Brazilian state of Salvador and is known as Lavagem das Escadarias do Bonfim or Lavagem do Bonfim. The event first took place in 1754. After the carnival, Bonfim is another very popular festival in Brazil. Everyone gathered in front of Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim, or Senhor do Bonfim Church, in shining white dresses. The indigenous Baianas womenfolk throw fragrant water on the church steps and people's heads for purification and chant for hope and faith as part of their history.

Spectators gather at the church to receive blessings. The devotees pour the fragrant water from the flowers on their heads and hands while the people get their blessing. People often use the fragrant water to clean the church's steps. It's a traditional habit to wrap a Bonfim ribbon around your wrist and make a wish. After that, the Baianas get together and feast on acaraje, a traditional Baiana dish. This is a type of bean dumpling that has been packed with vatapa (shrimp, peanuts, and coconut milk) and cooked in dense oil.

Location: Salvador, Brazil

Date: Second Thursday of January