at a glance |
on new year's eve in rio de janeiro, festivities include the traditional countdown, fireworks and resolutions found elsewhere in the world, but there is a uniquely carioca tradition on display up and down every beach in the city. dressed in the customary white, revelers young and old can be seen casting into the sea flowers, flower petals and gifts and candles in small boats. these are devotions to the water goddess yemanjá, born of the yorúbá pantheon and worshiped in brazil as the high spirit of candomblé and in syncretism with the virgin mary. because of the dispersal of african slaves throughout brazil, and the mixing of different tribes, nations and cultures over time, modern yemanjá is not easily defined. she is known alternately as yemanjá, yemoja, iemanjá, janaína, iara (who is also a water spirit for indigenous Brazilians), and simply senhora ('lady'). | christmas | |||
attractions | christmas tree | ||||
beaches | midnight mass | ||||
sports | traditional food | ||||
entertainment | yemanjá | ||||
music | new year's eve | ||||
nightlife | clothing | ||||
restaurants | private parties | ||||
shopping | concerts | ||||
etiquette | fireworks | ||||
carnival | lodging | ||||
réveillon | copacabana | ||||
accommodations | ipanema | ||||
transport | other areas | ||||
safety | the day after | ||||
extras | photos | ||||
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