The two most predominant influences on the
population's faith are European Christianity, and the sacraments and
customs that migrated to the country along with the African slaves.
Until the mid-20th Century over 90% of Brazilians were Catholic,
making the country the largest Catholic country in the world, with a
rapid growth in Evangelical Protestantism over the last 50 years.
Religious holidays and festivities take place throughout the
year in homage to saints and sacred dates of great importance in
Brazilian folkloric and Catholic history. All throughout June, July
and parts of August, Rio plays host to a wide range of outdoor and
indoor parties in honor of important saints, imbuing the Catholic
celebrations with traditional Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian music and
cuisine, such as Forró music and a variety of traditional national
dishes.