About 60,000 people took the streets of Paris, France, this Sunday (14), to celebrate Brazil and its African roots during the 24th edition of the Madeleine Wash. 
To the contagious sound of Olodum, Jau and Armandinho, the event turned the French capital into a major stage of celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture.
More than 700 artists participated in the procession which began at 10am (5am in Brasilia) at Place de La République and traveled about 4 kilometers to the church of Madeleine.
Along the way, the public could accompany the drumming, songs, maracatus, capoeira and the traditional presence of Bahia.
Those who took to the streets vibrated with remarkable performances of renowned names such as Olodum and Armandinho Macêdo, as well as the percussions of the Batala Group.
All this amid the sound of the electric trio led by multiartist Robertinho Chaves, creator and organizer of the event.
The symbolic ceremony of the washing of the stairs of the Madeleine Church took place at 2 pm (11am in Brasilia), led by the Babalorixá Father Pote, from the yard Ilê Axé Ojú Onirê, from Santo Amaro da Purification (BA), with the participation of a Catholic priest.
The moment represented religious syncretism and respect between different beliefs, inspired by the traditional washing of the Lord of Bonfim in Salvador.
This year, Madeleine’s wash paid on a special tribute to two key women for the history of the festival: the black singer Gil, the first godmother of the event, and the Bahian journalist Wanda Chase, both recognized for her contribution to the promotion of Afro-Brazilian culture.
For Bahian artist Robertinho Chaves, the event is already part of the Paris calendar: “Each year is a unique emotion, but seeing more than 700 artists and a crowd turning Paris into Salvador was unforgettable.”
“Madeleine’s washing has become a symbol of the force of Afro-Brazilian culture in the world, showing that our music, our faith and our tradition have a power of unity and joy that crosses borders. It is a celebration of identity, resistance and, above all, of love. The tribute to Black and Wanda is more than deserved, they helped build this event,” said Robertinho.
