at a glance

the word 'macumba' is often used to pejoratively describe the  cults derived from afro-brazilian religious practices  brought to brazil such as bantu, candomblé, and umbanda, merged with influences of the Catholic religion, the occult, cults of indigenous Amerindians, and spiritism.   it is common to see offerings on this beach throughout the year, and always on december 31st. The real meaning of the word 'macumba' is a kind of drum from africa.

the beach is edged on one side by pedra de itapuã, a natural monument land-marked by the city to commemorate a failed attempt by the french pirate jean françois duclerc to disembark here and conquer the city in 1710. in 1711, however, rio was taken hostage for two months during the last attempt by the french to create 'antarctic france' -  readers interested in knowing more about this episode can read more on this page.