Flavorwire

For many, praying is a way to cleanse the soul from sin, bringing them closer to God. Photographer Jose Ferreira captured a ritual known as “o culto,” which brings gypsies from the suburban areas of Faro, Portugal together in a shrine-like hut to exorcise their demons. The striking, black-and-white images show men and women in the emotional throes of religious fervor. Other photos reveal quiet moments before, during, and after the intense ceremonies that take place several times a week. See more of Ferreira’s work, which we first spotted on Behance, in our gallery.

Image credit: Jose Ferreira