[free] SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem 2023 @ BrasArte // Berkeley
This ritual dates back to slavery times when the slaves were prohibited from entering the church where religious ceremonies took place. They adapted to the situation by performing their own ceremonies and rituals, hidden from their masters, as they cleaned the church steps.
SUNDAY AT 10 AM – 7 PM
SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem [schedule below].
BrasArte is located at a Block Party
on the corner of San Pablo Ave & Hearst Street, Berkeley CA.
What is Brazilian Day & Lavagem?
The annual ‘Lavagem do Bonfim’ is one of the most important events in the Afro Brazilian cultural calendar. This ritual dates back to colonial Brazil when enslaved Africans were forced to clean the church in preparation for the celebration of Senhor Do Bonfim “Our Lord”.
They adapted this process by performing their own cleansing rituals, secretly celebrating the waters of Oxala/Obatala (the oldest orixa, creator of earther and bringer of peace) hidden from their enslavers. This makes the Lavagem do Bonfim one of the biggest examples of religious syncretism as a resistance practice and tool for cultural survival under colonial rule.
Dressed in white, devotees of the Candomble religion lead an elaborate procession through the streets of Salvador to the Church of Bonfim where they partake in a ritual cleansing of the steps of the church. This is followed by an all-day celebration with traditional music and dance.
In honor of the communities that created this tradition, BrasArte holds an homage to this festival in Berkeley every year. Labor Day weekend we close the street and hold our annual SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem Festival. A procession takes place ending in a cleansing and renewal ceremony for our community center the Casa de Cultura.
This is followed by a full program of music and dance with typical foods and arts and crafts.
Come enjoy a little taste of Bahia & Brazil here at BRASARTE: CASA DE CULTURA.
Dance, Music, Art, Food & Culture
10am – 11am Demo Classes
11am – 7pm Festival
2pm LAVAGEM BLESSING.
Two Stages showcasing the beautiful diversity of Brazilian Arts Culture
Beer Garden & Caipirinha Lounge
Kid’s Village
Artisan & Food Vendors
White attire suggested.
For VIP sector please visit our webpage – www.brasarte.com for more details
Block Party on the corner of San Pablo Ave & Hearst St., Berkeley CA
FREE EVENT.
Sponsors:
*Alliance California Traditional Arts
City of Berkeley
*San Francisco Pizza & Restaurant.
The annual ‘Lavagem do Bonfim’ is one of the most important events in the Afro Brazilian cultural calendar. This ritual dates back to slavery times when the slaves were prohibited from entering the church where religious ceremonies took place. They adapted to the situation by performing their own ceremonies and rituals, hidden from their masters, as they cleaned the church steps.
