Rio faithful seek prosperity from sea goddess ahead of 2026

Worshippers celebrated the Afro-Brazilian sea goddess Yemanja at Copacabana Beach with music, dance, and offerings, praying for peace and prosperity in 2026. This centuries-old tradition reflects Brazil’s African cultural heritage.

Reuters

30 December 2025 at 09:12:22

Rio faithful seek prosperity from sea goddess ahead of 2026

Worshippers celebrate Afro-Brazilian sea goddess Yemanja with flower offerings and prayers on Copacabana Beach for year-end blessings.

Reuters

Worshippers honored the Afro-Brazilian sea goddess Yemanja on Monday, December 29, with a traditional procession along the iconic Copacabana Beach as part of year-end celebrations.

Many devotees, dressed in white, took part in the annual ritual, offering flowers, letters, alcoholic beverages, and beauty products to the sea goddess, whom they believe will bless them in return.

The ceremony was filled with drumming, singing, and dancing, culminating in prayers for peace and prosperity in 2026.

Yemanja is one of the deities of the Yoruba religion and has gained prominence among Afro-Brazilian communities. The tradition was brought to Brazil centuries ago by enslaved Africans.

-Production: Pilar Olivares, Janaina Quinet, Gloria Lopez/Reuters