Every autumn, Brazil takes over the streets of Paris and sweeps us into a swirl of color, percussion and dance. In 2026, the Lavage de la Madeleine marks its 25th birthday and rolls out its procession from September 10 to 13, with a grand parade on Sunday, September 13 between the Place de la République and the Church of the Madeleine, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. We know this event well from following its editions, and we can tell you: it’s a wonderful immersion into Brazilian culture right in the heart of the capital.
It all started in June 2002, sparked by Bahian artist Robertinho Chaves, in the wake of Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and João Gilberto. Since then, the association Viva Madeleine has kept alive a tradition that comes straight from Salvador de Bahia.
The ritual draws on the famous Lavagem do Bonfim, a ceremony that symbolically cleanses the steps of churches. Recognized as Brazil’s intangible cultural heritage in 2013, this celebration is Bahia’s second-largest event, just after Carnival. In Paris, it culminates with the washing of the Madeleine Church steps, led by Bahian women dressed in white.
Note, this isn’t a carnival: here we swap glitter for pristine white, and the parade advances for peace among peoples. Listed on the official calendar of the City Hall of Paris, the festival draws more than 60,000 participants each year to share this festive interlude.
The grand parade takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The start is given at 11:00 a.m. sharp from Place de la République, heading toward Place de la Madeleine. Along the route, you’ll encounter dancers, batucadas, and a special float crafted for this 25th edition, with Brazilian and French artists invited for the occasion.
The step-washing ceremony then takes place at 2:00 p.m., on Place de la Madeleine. A moment that is at once solemn and joyful, as this long, colorful march comes to a close. Here are the weekend’s highlights:
As the event’s faithful patroness, Cristina Córdula has been supporting Lavage de la Madeleine for many editions. Actor Vincent Cassel, an avid Brazil enthusiast, is also among the festival’s backers since his participation in 2016.
To extend the celebration, two evenings cap off this anniversary edition. The Brazilian Vibes night, led by Le Lavage de la Madeleine and Samba da Quebrada, will take place on September 11, 2026 at Café A, featuring Caroliina Mafiosa, a fixture of Brazilian funk (reservations at HelloAsso). The closing night, the Mada Fête special 25th edition, moves to Pavillon Wagram on September 13, 2026 for a show by Jau and Robertinho (tickets at lebillet.eu). The full program and updates are available on the Edition 2026 page of the official site.
We love this festival for its infectious energy and its simple message—peace—carried by music and dance. It's an ideal outing for families, friends, or couples, whether you're curious about Brazilian culture or just want to enjoy a Sunday unlike any other. Our tip: come dressed in white, let the drums carry you along, and wear sturdy shoes to keep up with the 4-kilometer parade.
Want to extend your discovery of the capital’s major festive events? We recommend you check out the Ganesh Festival in Paris 2026, another brightly colored parade, or the Vietnamese Parade, which will also take place in September this year.
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Dates and Opening Time
From August 10, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Location
Madeleine Church
Place de la Madeleine
75008 Paris 8
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
lavagedelamadeleine.com
