those who have not built boats will leave their offerings on the beach close to the water, and those who cannot reach the ocean will tuck occasionally extravagant offerings into holes in sand or rock alongside the water.

these offering rituals, combined with the hundreds of small improvised altars dug into the sand and illuminated by thousands of candles, create a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere.

the celebrations begin on the 29th of december, with the official festa de yemanjá at the mercadão de madueira in madureira.

holding aloft a statue of the most catholic representation of the deity, worshipers gather at the madueira market and march all the way across town to copacabana beach, where the first offerings are given.