One of Europe's most important Brazilian events took place in Paris on Sunday (4 September) in an explosion of sound and colour.

The 20th edition of Le Lavage de la Madeleine (The Cleaning of the Madeleine church's square) brought around 16 dance and percussion groups to the streets, where they joined a procession performing songs and dances proclaiming peace to the world.

This tradition, dating back to 1773, originally came from Salvador de Bahia, where the churches of the region were periodically washed, particularly that of Nossho Senhor du Bonfim.

This tradition was declared part of Brazilian intangible cultural heritage by the Brazilian government in 2013 and today it is the second most important event in Bahia behind Carnival.

But unlike Carnival, specified the event's organiser Roberto Chaves, attendees were asked to shun bikinis and more exotic Carnival-wear in favour of white clothes for a procession of peace.

The most important Brazilian event in Europe takes place in Paris. The 20th edition of Le Lavage de la Madeleine (The Cleaning of the Madeleine church's square). 4 sept 2022. 14h.

This tradition, dating back to 1773, originally came from Salvador de Bahia where the churches of the region were washed, particularly that of Nossho Senhor du Bonfim. Note also that this tradition was declared Brazilian intangible cultural heritage by the Brazilian government in 2013. Today it is the second most important event in Bahia behind the carnival.

About 16 dance and percussion groups will follow the procession through the streets of Paris with songs and dances that proclaim PEACE in the world. Attention, it is not a carnival, specifies Roberto Chaves, creator of the event. Exit bikinis and hello white clothes for a procession for peace