The image of Santa Barbara of the Thunder is being shipped to the scity of Bahia to be enshrined at the Museum of Sacred Art. As the boat that will deliver her is docking, she comes to life to save Manela, a young Bahian girl whose flirtatious behaviour has offended her pious family. This magical occurrence announces the start of the festival. The sounds of berimbau drums herald the candombl? rituals that will determine the success or failure of Santa Barbara's magic. Once again the author of DONA FLOR AND HER TWO HUSBANDS shows his consummate ability to tell a story with compassion and sensuality.