In a mixture of folk tradition and ritual that spans generations, popular belief has it that a bath on the night of August 29 is worth 29 baths. It is believed that, during the day, the Devil is on the loose and this nocturnal bath in the waters of Lagos served to purify the souls of those who traveled from the villages to the coast on their donkeys and carts. Its origins are uncertain, but it is believed to date back to ancient rites at the end of the summer or to the Arab heritage of the Algarve region.

Source: CM Lagos

Still other accounts describe Banho 29 ed Agosto as a popular tradition that dates back to the 18th century and has its origins in ancient beliefs linked to purification and protection.

According to tradition, it was believed that bathing in the sea during the early hours of August 29th had healing and protective powers, especially against illness. This particular date was associated with the end of summer and the start of a new cycle, making it an ideal time for purification rituals.

There is also a legend that, after a plague ravaged the region, the population made promises and rituals of gratitude to the sea, which would have given rise to bathing. Over time, the practice was transformed into a community celebration, and today, although the religious and superstitious character has diminished, the tradition persists as a popular festival involving music, dance and socializing on the beach, celebrating the community’s cultural and historical roots.