Zé is a very poor man whose most prized possession is his donkey. When his donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to Saint Bárbara: If his donkey recovers, he will carry a cross - like Jesus - all the way from his city to Saint Bárbara's church, in the state capital. Upon the recovery of his donkey, Zé leaves on his journey. He makes it to the church, but the priest refuses to accept the cross once he discovers the context of Zé's promise.
The naive sailor Ron arrives in Bahia to visit the famous Água dos Meninos street market. There, however, he is passed behind by the prostitute Maria, lover of the bandit Chico Diabo, who stabs him. He, however, can't forget her.
