the christmas season in rio ends with the dia dos santos reis or twelfth night on the 5th and 6th of january.

in another uniquely carioca take on a global tradition, bands of musicians will wander the streets in processions known as folias de reis, performing up and down neighborhoods and delivering blessings as a re-enactment of the journey of the wise men to the baby jesus.   

the bands are frequently offered a piece of bolo de reis, the traditional pastry baked with symbolic talismans inside which, if found in a piece, impart the recipient good luck for the upcoming year.