traditional oblations include flowers, rice, perfume and small gifts given to the sea goddess in thanks for her blessings over the previous year.

over the 50 days preceding easter, all of rio de janeiro state celebrates the ancient tradition of the festa do divino espírito santo. these festivities are said to have been initiated by queen isabel of portugal in the 13th century. the most traditional of these celebrations occurs in the town of paraty, a historic town some 250km from the city.