Rio de Janeiro: Iemanja and Umbanda
A city where Umbanda, a Brazilian religion of the twentieth century, is practised, and where people greet the sea goddess Iemanja at Copacabana each New Year's Eve.
Practised and told of here
Best time: 31 December.
Umbanda began in Rio de Janeiro in 1908, when a medium named Zelio de Moraes announced a new religion. It blends African orixas, Catholic saints, Indigenous spirits and Spiritism, the movement of Allan Kardec. It centres on mediums who host spirit guides.
Iemanja at New Year
On 31 December crowds in white gather on Copacabana beach to send flowers, candles and small gifts out to sea for Iemanja. Believers ask for help in the year ahead, and the sea may carry the offerings back.
Religion and prejudice
Umbanda and Candomble followers have faced violence and attacks on their places of worship, in recent years most often from Pentecostal extremists. Brazil's courts have defended their right to worship.
Visiting
Public events on the beach are open to all. Houses of worship are private, and visitors should ask permission.
A respectful visit to Rio de Janeiro: Iemanja and Umbanda
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- Copacabana on 31 December Join the crowd in white, quietly.
- Museu da República See exhibits on Brazilian history.
- Museu de Folclore Edison Carneiro Look at the folklore collection.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Umbanda" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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