these yemanjá rituals, togewith the hundreds of small  sand altars, flowers planted in the sand, and the twinkling of candles all along the beach, create an unforgettable, almost surreal, atmosphere.

with flowers and gifts for yemanjá for sale by vendors on every corner during the new year's celebrations, this tradition has grown to become one of the most beautiful and cherished elements of new year's eve in rio de janeiro.

celebrated on the night of december 31st, new year's eve in rio de janeiro is called réveillon and it is considered one of the absolute best in the world -festivities include the traditional countdown, fireworks and resolutions found elsewhere in the world, but there is a uniquely carioca tradition on display up and down every beach in the city.