IGREJA SENHOR DO BONFIM

Without doubt, this is the most representative monument of the religious syncretism inseparable from Salvador de Bahia. Built in the ^18th century, the Senhor do Bonfim church is located on top of a hill. Its architecture and decoration are classical, but its originality lies in the Sala dos Milagres (Hall of Miracles). Like the room of ex-votos at Notre Dame de la Garde, this small room is lined with photographs, messages of thanks, and wax reproductions of limbs healed (or to be healed) by the intercession of Senhor do Bonfim (who is none other than Jesus). The multicolored ribbons(fitas), sold locally and throughout Brazil, have become one of the symbols of Salvador. These Bonfim souvenirs must be tied around the wrist with three knots, which represent as many wishes, which will be fulfilled when the ribbon breaks of its own accord. It is important not to cut the ribbon, otherwise your wishes will not be fulfilled. Candomblé followers associate the Senhor do Bonfim with Oxalá, the most eminent deity in their pantheon, which explains the importance of this church for them. On Fridays, the day of Oxalá, several masses with hundreds of worshippers dressed in white take place in the morning between 6 and 9 am and in the afternoon from 5 to 6 pm. The most important one is held on the first Friday of each month. On the second Thursday of January, the Bahian women, all dressed in white, wash the steps with perfumed water, in general jubilation. The crowd is immense and compact.