dressed in the customary white, revelers young and old can be seen casting into the sea flowers, flower petals, gifts and candles in small boats.

these are devotions to the water goddess yemanjá, born of the yorúbá pantheon and worshiped in brasil as the high spirit of candomblé and in syncretism with the virgin mary.

the city stages musical shows in many districts to celebrate the festivities and sponsors some amazing fireworks in copacabana, while musical stages all along the beach further animate this incredible party.