Festival de Iemanjá

The Festival de Iemanjá is a vibrant celebration honoring Iemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea and motherhood. Held primarily on February 2nd along Brazil’s coastal regions, especially in Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, it features people offering flowers, candles, and small boats to the ocean as a gesture of respect and gratitude. Participants often dress in white and partake in music, dance, and prayer, seeking blessings for love, protection, and prosperity. The festival blends African traditions with Catholic influences, creating a powerful cultural expression of faith, community, and connection to the sea.