january 20th is saint sebastian's day, saint patron of rio de janeiro. this holiday is a very rich and festive celebration much loved by all cariocas.  music and block parties in every corner of rio with many in santa teresa and lapa.

the commemoration of saint sebastian day magically blends portuguese traditions and primal folklore with roman catholic rituals and afro-brazilian ceremonies.

celebrations in streets and churches are marked by a characteristic red coloring, the votive tone of rio's patron saint. 

in many yards provisionally transformed into african-religionsXXXXXXX temples, drums beat for chants and dances in honor of their deity of the forest Oxóssi.