Lavagem do Bonfim Draws Thousands in Salvador as Officials Highlight Culture and Coalition Unity

Overview

• The 8 km procession linked Igreja da Conceição da Praia to the Bonfim hill and gathered thousands of residents, pilgrims and tourists.
• Minister Anielle Franco said the celebration affirms Black identity, calling culture an act of resistance and validating the ministry's presence.
• Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues described the “white carpet” of baianas as an image of peace and affirmed coalition stability, naming Senator Angelo Coronel as leader and citing Diego Coronel as mediator under party chief Otto Alencar.
• Police and municipal agencies oversaw crowd flow with no serious incidents reported during the morning march.
• Festivities carried on in Cidade Baixa with stalls and cultural performances, as long-distance devotees fulfilled promises under the motto “quem tem fé vai a pé.”