Next: 31 Dec 2026
Iemanja and New Year in Rio
On New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro, millions in white throw flowers and gifts into the sea, and jump seven waves, for Iemanja.
About Iemanja and New Year in Rio
On the night of 31 December, huge crowds dressed in white gather on Copacabana and other beaches in Rio de Janeiro, a colour associated with peace and with the orisha Oxala. Followers of Umbanda and Candomble launch small boats with flowers, perfume and candles for Iemanja, and many others take part for luck. A common custom is to jump seven waves and make a wish at each one. Offerings and the white flowers wash up on the sand the next morning, which has drawn complaints about litter. The practice came from the religions of Afro-Brazilian communities and has become a national custom that many people who do not belong to those religions share. Uruguay has a similar celebration on 2 February in Montevideo.
Entries tied to it
Also part of it, and being written: Umbanda (The Brazilian religion that keeps the rite.).
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Yemọja" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family, and are described as belief and practice. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.