in a notable example of the cross-pollination of european and african traditions and beliefs in brazil, a practice called syncretism, são jorge is also venerated in african religions umbanda and candomblé, as the god of metals, ogum.

in rio de janeiro, the saints day is celebrated with special services at churches, street processions with participants numbering in the hundreds of thousands and theatrical reenactments of the slaying of a dragon, são jorge's most famous act.

ogum is not the only african deity widely venerated in the city - new year's eve in rio is marked not only by great parties, but also by the devotion of millions to the festa de yemanjá.