Watching: Bebê Pagão

Overview

The documentary follows oral accounts from people in the Cariri region of Paraíba and Pernambuco who have witnessed or heard stories about the "pagan baby." This refers to the practice of burying infants who were born and died before being baptized near crossroads and gateways—an old custom that was once widespread in the region. According to tradition, some people would later hear the cries of these souls and would perform improvised baptisms to help guide the child's spirit to heaven.