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.

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 brazil as the high spirit of candomblé and in syncretism with the virgin mary.