São Bartolomeu do Mar, in the municipality of Esposende, Braga district, once again observed the annual tradition of the ‘Holy Bath’ on Sunday, August 24.
Tradition dictates that on this day, children up to the age of seven are immersed in the sea multiple times in an odd number to free them from ailments such as fear, stuttering, or epilepsy.
The ‘Holy Bath,’ as it is known, is a highlight of the São Bartolomeu do Mar festival. In addition to the immersions, children must circle the church three times while holding a black rooster.
This superstition dates back to the 19th century and originates from a legend that every year, on August 24, the devil roamed free, returning to the sea only after nightfall.
Therefore, it was deemed necessary to take the children to the sea during the day so that the “pure” waters could cure fear and diseases.
Photographer Diogo Baptista from Getty Images was present this year, alongside hundreds of attendees.
The images reveal that not all children enjoyed the baths, with sea temperatures in Braga being approximately 15ºC, even during this time of year.
