History, the Festival of Nossa Senhora das Candeias and Tourist Attractions

Published on November 25, 2012 · Updated on August 17, 2026

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Candeias, situated in Baía de Todos os Santos, is a municipality in the Recôncavo Baiano region that combines religious devotion, traditional craftsmanship and industrial significance. Known for its pilgrimage and the festival of Nossa Senhora das Candeias, the town attracts worshippers and tourists seeking culture, colonial heritage and popular events.

Origin and formation

Settlement in the region dates back to the colonial period, with the granting of land grants and the establishment of sugar mills that shaped the landscape and the local economy. The village grew up around a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where accounts of healings gave rise to the tradition of the Fonte dos Milagres and the devotion that continues to attract pilgrimages to this day.

From the sugarcane cycle to oil

For centuries, the local economy was dominated by sugar cane and the sugar mills, resulting in the preservation of significant architectural ensembles and a rich cultural heritage. In the 20th century, the discovery of oil transformed the municipality’s socio-economic profile, driving population and industrial growth that led to political emancipation, which came into effect on 14 August 1958.

Video — The History of Candeias

História de Candeias na Bahia

The Feast of Our Lady of Candeias

Igreja Nossa Senhora de Candeias — Church of Our Lady of Candeias

Candeias atrai milhares de fiéis todos os anos — Candeias attracts thousands of worshippers every year

Held around 2 February, the festival of Nossa Senhora das Candeias features a Mass, processions, ex-votos and popular celebrations that blend the sacred with the profane. The event brings together pilgrims, music, crafts and cultural expressions from the Recôncavo region.

Tourist attractions in Candeias (BA)

1. Parish Church / Shrine of Our Lady of Candeias

Igreja Matriz - Santuário Nossa Senhora das Candeias — Parish Church – Sanctuary of Our Lady of Candeias

The Mother Church, built in the late 18th century, is the focal point of the pilgrimages in Candeias. The festival in honour of Nossa Senhora das Candeias reaches its peak around 2 February, featuring masses, processions and popular celebrations that attract thousands of worshippers and visitors. During the festival period, the town hosts a programme of religious events, music and cultural activities.

2. Wholesale Market (municipal market)

The street market is the perfect place to sample the regional cuisine and buy local handicrafts. There you’ll find ingredients and dishes typical of the Recôncavo, as well as items produced by local craftspeople and woodcarvers — a great option for anyone looking for authentic souvenirs.

3. The Parish Mill — Wanderley de Pinho Museum

Engenho da Freguesia - Museu Wanderley de Pinho — The Parish Mill – Wanderley de Pinho Museum

The architectural complex of the Engenho da Freguesia comprises the main house, the slaves’ quarters and a chapel, and serves as a museum. The museum preserves furniture, artefacts and machinery related to the sugar-making cycle, offering an overview of the historical and cultural heritage of the Recôncavo.

História do Museu Wanderley Pinho em Candeias BA

4. The Fountain of Miracles and the Shrine

Fonte dos Milagres em Candeias — The Fountain of Miracles in Candeias

The Fountain of Miracles, next to the shrine, is a traditional pilgrimage site: pilgrims visit the place to fulfil vows, seek blessings and take water home as a souvenir. The surrounding area is home to shops selling religious items, ex-votos and souvenirs, and is particularly busy during festive seasons.

5. Matoim Sugar Mill

Engenho do Matoim em Candeias — Matoim Sugar Mill in Candeias

The Matoim Sugar Mill preserves remnants of colonial architecture — a two-storey house, a chapel and buildings associated with the sugarcane industry. This historic site offers a glimpse into the village’s origins and is an important stop on the itinerary for anyone interested in local history and heritage.

6. Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation (Passé)

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Passé) em Candeias — Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation (Passé) in Candeias

Situated on a viewpoint overlooking Todos os Santos Bay, the church at Passé is an ancient building whose ruins and the surrounding landscape attract visitors seeking historical heritage and stunning coastal views.

Practical tips

How to get there: Candeias is situated in the Recôncavo Baiano, around 40–50 km from Salvador, and can be reached by road.
Best time to visit: early February to experience the pilgrimages; other times of year are ideal for cultural tourism and visiting heritage sites.
Accommodation: book well in advance during festive periods due to the increase in visitors.
Safety: at events with large crowds, opt for organised transport and follow local guidance.

FAQ

When is the feast of Our Lady of Candeias celebrated?

The highlight is on 2 February, with celebrations that may extend before and after that date.

What are the must-see sights in half a day?

The Parish Church/Shrine, the Fountain of Miracles and the central market for crafts and food.

Are there any museums open to the public?

Yes — the Engenho da Freguesia serves as a museum housing a collection relating to the sugar industry.

When did Candeias become an independent municipality?

Candeias gained its municipal status on 14 August 1958, driven by the population and industrial growth resulting from the discovery of oil in the region in the 1940s.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →