Bonfim

And then there was this:

This was the Bonfim ceremony..... WOW!

It's a religious ceremony that takes place in Salvador at this church. However, this wasn't the actual ceremony. In perpetration for the ceremony, people are given these colorful ribbons. You may have (pay for) as many as you'd like, and you may tie them anywhere on the outside of the church or on your body. With each ribbon you get three wishes (one wish/prayer for each of the three knots you will tie on the ribbon). It is believe that when the ribbon breaks, your wishes will come true.

This is a perfect example of the relationship between Catholocism and Candombles. This ceremony takes place in January after the Catholic Three Lings day. It began after a statue of Jesus was carried to this church followed by a crowd of people. 

Baianas (women from Bahia) come in the morning to wash the steps of the church with brooms and perfume-water. Next, men dressed in all white (for the Orixas) walk 8km (5 miles) to the church. Here they celebrate with African live music. 

We didn't go during the time of the actual ceremony , however we were lucky enough to see a mass held in Portuguese. Also, the church was absolutely beautiful... 

I consider it a great honor to be able to participate in foreign cultural ceremonies ... There are so many wonderful messages to be received from others.