Solo Gala
Fita do Bomfim
One of the first things noticed when approaching the church Senhor do Bonfim ( Salvador, Brazil) - thousands of colored ribbons tied to the fencing surrounding the Bonfim. Each one of these ribbons represents a wish or an intense plea for dreams, love, success, health, peace, energy…. A 200-year-old tradition that again, blends the African faith with Catholicism as superstition and miracle granting powers entwine. The fita or “the measure” acquired its name because at 47cm its size corresponds to the length of the right arm on the statue of Senhor do Bonfim which resides on the altar of the church.
The ribbons are a myriad of colors and have the words “Lembrança do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia”, or in remembrance of the savior of Bahia written on them. The original fitas were made of silk and written on by hand in silver. These fitas were draped around the neck and adorned with medallions and holy depictions. Nowadays the ribbons are worn as a good luck charm petitioning for miracles big or small.
Fita do Bomfim
One of the first things noticed when approaching the church Senhor do Bonfim ( Salvador, Brazil) - thousands of colored ribbons tied to the fencing surrounding the Bonfim. Each one of these ribbons represents a wish or an intense plea for dreams, love, success, health, peace, energy…. A 200-year-old tradition that again, blends the African faith with Catholicism as superstition and miracle granting powers entwine. The fita or “the measure” acquired its name because at 47cm its size corresponds to the length of the right arm on the statue of Senhor do Bonfim which resides on the altar of the church.
The ribbons are a myriad of colors and have the words “Lembrança do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia”, or in remembrance of the savior of Bahia written on them. The original fitas were made of silk and written on by hand in silver. These fitas were draped around the neck and adorned with medallions and holy depictions. Nowadays the ribbons are worn as a good luck charm petitioning for miracles big or small.