La Madeleine Church denies ritual permission for Paris afro-Brazilian festival

Lavagem da Madeleine afro-Brazilian culture ecumenical celebration Paris cultural events religious ritual

The 25th edition of the Lavagem da Madeleine, a traditional afro-Brazilian cultural and religious celebration in Paris, has faced a significant change after the La Madeleine Church denied permission to perform the ritual washing of its steps. The decision was made by the parish priest, Monsignor Patrick Chauvet, who reportedly informed organizers that the ritual would not be permitted on the church stairs in 2026.

Despite the veto, organizers have moved the ceremony to the public area in front of the church. The event, which is recognized by the French Ministry of Culture as intangible heritage and is part of UNESCO’s Slave Route, is expected to draw approximately 60,000 people. The celebration remains an ecumenical event, blending Catholic elements with African-origin religious traditions.

The festivities will include a parade starting from Place de la République and musical performances featuring singer Mariene de Castro, Robertinho Chaves, and others. While the Archdiocese of Paris has not provided a specific reason for the restriction, organizers expressed regret over the decision but stated they remain open to dialogue with the religious institution.

Entities

Archdiocese of Paris · French Ministry of Culture · La Madeleine Church · Mariene de Castro · Paris · Patrick Chauvet · UNESCO

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The 25th edition of the festival is scheduled for September 13. fatopaulista.com.br · lusojornal.com · mrnews.com.br
[● 2 SOURCES] The parish priest of La Madeleine, Monsignor Patrick Chauvet, denied authorization for the ritual washing of the church steps. fatopaulista.com.br · mrnews.com.br
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Lavagem da Madeleine has been recognized as intangible heritage by the French Ministry of Culture since 2022. mrnews.com.br
[● 2 SOURCES] The event is inspired by the traditional Lavagem of the Bonfim Church in Salvador, Bahia. fatopaulista.com.br · mrnews.com.br
[● 2 SOURCES] The 25th edition of the Lavagem da Madeleine will proceed by moving the celebration to the public area in front of the church. fatopaulista.com.br · mrnews.com.br
[● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 60,000 people are expected to attend the festivities. fatopaulista.com.br · mrnews.com.br

Sources

Lavagem da Madeleine em Paris tem ritual vetado por padre, mas festa cultural se mantém [fatopaulista.com.br]

5 days ago

Igreja impede festa afro-brasileira em escadaria e evento ocorre nas ruas de Paris – Imprensa Pública [imprensapublica.com.br]

5 days ago

Padre impede Lavagem da Madeleine, celebração afro-brasileira em Paris – JN [jornalenoticias.com.br]

4 days ago

Padre impede Lavagem da Madeleine, celebração afro-brasileira em Paris [odiariodebarretos.com.br]

4 days ago

Padre impede Lavagem da Madeleine, celebração afro-brasileira em Paris [overbo.com.br]

5 days ago

Padre proíbe Lavagem da Madeleine em Paris, mas festa afro-brasileira é mantida em área pública [ubirataonline.com.br]

5 days ago

Paris : le Lavage de la Madeleine célèbre sa 25ème édition – LusoJornal [lusojornal.com]

6 days ago

Padre impede Lavagem da Madeleine, celebração afro-brasileira em Paris - Maranhão Hoje [mahoje.com.br]

5 days ago

Padre impede Lavagem da Madeleine, celebração afro-brasileira em Paris [mrnews.com.br]

5 days ago

Igreja proíbe lavagem das escadarias da Madeleine em Paris [atarde.com.br]

5 days ago

Igreja barra lavagem e festa afro-brasileira vai às ruas em Paris - Jornal de Brasília [jornaldebrasilia.com.br]

5 days ago