at a glance |
the popular belief and reverence for yemanjá comes from the traditions of african slaves brought to brazil by european colonialists, but over the years, people of all faiths and creeds have come to follow the tradition of honoring her at midnight on new year's eve. although her nominal festival day is the 2nd of february, and serves as an analogue for the catholic saints feasts for our lady of navigators and our lady of conception, her devotees in rio de janeiro mark the new year by casting offerings to her into the sea, either by hand or by boat. traditional offerings can include flowers, rice, perfume and small gifts given to the sea goddess in thanks for her blessings over the previous year. one will notice, traveling the city sidewalks throughout the evening, that nearly everyone seems to be dressed in white. |
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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