Rio de Janeiro - Mysticism and Religion

(Last update: Oct 03, 2011 )

If there is anything that touches the Brazilian people is their faith. Not for nothing they have a Christ that looks down from heaven, from the top of a hill, and his presence can be felt from wherever you are.

Faith is a nearly ubiquitous factor in Rio and can be seen on every step you take, from traditional churches to their particular cathedral, going further than the endless religious references that you can be found in every street of Rio.

One of the first things you visit when you plan a religious tour through the cities are the cathedrals. The Metropolitan Cathedral, is located between a dozen of modern buildings, broad avenues, in the heart of the economy of Rio. That is an odd place for a cathedral, although its picturesque appearance makes it fit perfectly. Opened in 1976, after more than 10 years of construction, it has a giant cone shape. Besides it, works a small Museum of Sacred Art.

The route should also have a visit to the Igreja de NS da Glória do Outerio. Patrimony assets of the colonial times, the church dating from the eighteenth century, has both influences rococo and neoclassical, its entrance ticket is a symbolic price of 1 real, but worth knowing it, because it is one of the examples of fine architecture most successful of that time. On 15th August, its date is celebrated, and it is usually a feast for the parishioners. Many lights are placed on the outside, a small stage, a procession for Glory. The festival starts early in the morning, but extends throughout the day. But this is not the only religious festival in Rio de Janeiro, you should not miss the celebration of San Sebastian. The Patron Saint of the City, have a procession in his honor that parts from the church that bears his name (Sao Sebastiao dos Capuchins) in the Tijuca area, up to the Metropolitan Cathedral in the center of the city.

However, when you think about the religiosity of the Brazilian people, one thing that usually comes to mind almost immediately, is the Reveillon -New Year's Eve- festivities.

Copacabana is, perhaps, one of the world's most energetic place to start the year. At this date, thousands of Cariocas and visitors approach Rio beaches dressed up in white, waiting for the beginning of the new year. Although often occur after concerts or raves (electronic music parties) with the coming New Year, also coincides with the feast of the Queen of the Seas, Iemanjá.

The worship to Iemanjá denotes the influence of African religions in cariocas. It is an important part of them, and so, as does the Catholic religion, the presence of the African traditions can be seen at every moment.

Unlike other poaces which also have influences of African Candomblé as Uruguay, Cuba, or even Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, the feast of the Goddess of the Sea and Mother of all gods of the Yoruba pantheon is celebrated the first day of the year not the February 2 as in the aforementioned places. It is highly recommended to visit Rio de Janeiro for this holiday, so you can learn even more about the Brazilian people. To do this you must not forget some things, which are part of this rite.

First, it is celebrated in the most popular beaches of Rio de Janeiro, that is to say Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, which is why it is advised that you stay close by, mainly because of safety issues, nothing better than taking a taxi the last day of the year, not only in Rio, but in all places too crowded and plenty of alcohol.

Second, if you decide to participate in this ritual, make sure you wear only white clothes. It's Rio de Janeiro, it's December, do not worry if you only wear a shirt and trousers or a dress, you will not get cold. The important thing is to be in white, symbolizing purity and all good. Third, it is a rite of African origin, you will see people, who through music, go into a trance. If you are scared of this sort of thing, it is better to avoid the celebration. Moreover, you will find hundreds of vendors selling statues of the Goddess of the Sea, and may be a little bully. Fourth, Iemanjá is also Goddess of Carnal Pleasures, that is why you will see so many people bathing their bodies in alcoholic beverages. Fifth, try to take something you want to deliver as offerings, such as flowers, sweets, chocolates or whatever you want. You put that gift in one of the little ships that you also can buy in that place, along with a blue candle. And wait for the sea to take it in. Sixth and last, you move away from the beach, without giving you back to the sea.

Other guides about Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Travel guide | Carnival in Rio | Rio de Janeiro - Beaches guide | Rio de Janeiro for Youth | Shopping in Rio de Janeiro |

Travel agencies for online booking in Rio de Janeiro

The links below are not advertising. The Tourist Club recognizes these companies as safe and with cheapest prices.

(booking.com) Hotels in Barra de Tijuca
(booking.com) Hotels in Centro
(booking.com) Hotels in Copacabana
(booking.com) Hotels in Flamengo
(booking.com) Hotels in Ipanema
(booking.com) Hotels in Leblon
(hotel.info) Rio de Janeiro

Pictures of Rio de Janeiro

Recommend - Restaurants and Bars (Rio de Janeiro)

No hay recomendaciones aún. Recommend - Restaurants and Bars (Rio de Janeiro)

More information about Rio de Janeiro