History and Culture
Dawn, mass, procession and caruru (typical food made out of okra) mark the celebrations
All the slopes of the Pelourinho are covered with red petals, and the scent of lavender hangs in the air. This beautiful Feast for Saint Barbara is considered Intangible Heritage of Bahia. The saint is renowned for protecting her devotees during the great storms, known by the Candomblé followers as Iansã. It is a symbolic date for devotees to gather and pay homage. In the squares and markets of the Historical Center, the traditional Caruru is served.
Festa Típica Popular, is a sure-fire script for photographers who capture incredible images, full of emotion and faith. Before, the image of Saint Bárbara was in Morgado de Santa Bárbara, at the foot of Ladeira da Montanha. After the fire, she was transferred to the Church of the Holy Body. Today it is in the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks, in Largo do Pelourinho, and it is from there that the processions leave. In the Catholic tradition, thunder sounded and lightning struck at the hour of her death. For the Afro-Brazilian religions, Iansã is one of the best known orixás. Also called Oya, it is the goddess of the Niger River, one of the largest in Africa. Iansã is often greeted by thunder.
And in this thought of association and religious syncretism, it’s too worth seeing … Even if you’re from another religion. It is lovely to see when the cortege, full of people, passes in front of the headquarters of Afoxé Sons of Gandhy. The sound of the atabaques seems to beat in the same rhythm of the heart. Then, it climbs toward the 1st Military Fire Brigade, in Barroquinha. Arriving there, if the heat squeaks, find a good spot and wait: the devotees will receive the traditional hose shower. Get to know other cultural points of interest in the city. Come with us.
Service:
Date: December 4th
Place: cortejo leaving the Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos Church, in Largo do Pelourinho, to the 1st Military Fire Brigade, in Barroquinha, Salvador.
Photos: Fábio Marconi & Amanda Oliveira
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