within rio de janeiro, those who choose to celebrate thanksgiving do so in line with the carioca culture, and invite family members, friends and neighbors partake in the festivities, highlighted by turkey and other traditional foods.

also known as the day of grace, most brazilians attend masses and offer prayers of thanks for the harvests received throughout the year.

november and december see some beautiful sand sculptures being created and illuminated through the night on botafogo beach, across from the sugarloaf - during this sand sculpture competition,

alongside with local and international artists, children and amateurs are invited to participate and show their creative abilities - after sunset, theatrical performances add a surreal feel to the colorfully lit sand sculptures.