In Brazil , the NewYear Eve is popularly called Réveillon . People dress up, gather with family and friends, watch fireworks and celebrate the beginning of the year with the blessings of Olokun
It is always a huge celebration in which people make plans way ahead to party all week long . Brazilians observe amazing and unique traditions , such as the worship of Olokun , offerings and pledges to the sea goddess .
While some gather for prayer sessions , church services , Brazilians visit the beach side , they dedicate the year to Olokun , make pledges to Yemonja , pay tithes to the goddess of the sea , ask Olomitutu for a prosperous New year
Like previous years , this year 2023 also recorded a high turn out of Brazilians who visits Yemoja in the beach . They offer flowers , traditional sympathies to appease the goddess of the sea .
Brazilians of all religious sects visits the beach side , praying , dancing and making offerings to Yemoja , the most worshiped goddess in Brazil . “ It is also very common for groups of friends to rent a big house someplace nice by the beach side to celebrate the new year together” Says Bàbálórìsà Ademar
“ To most Brazilians , favorite destinations are anywhere on the coast , people usually go to the beach close to midnight to watch fireworks , take flowers , bathe in the sea for a prosperous New year “ Says Monica , a filmmaker
In the Brazilian tradition , people like to dress up and buy new clothes . The NewYear Eves in Brazil are usually very informal with Brazilians wearing their flip flops, beachwear, and light clothes in whites . They wear all that suits the goddess of the sea. “ Traditions are very important for Brazilians this time of the year. It might seem like a lot of things to do and follow. However, Brazilians are so used to those traditions that it seems the most natural thing to do on New Year Eve “ – Says Angelica Santos , Orisa devotee
“ It is common for everyone to wear white on NewYear Eve in Brazil. We are not kidding. Just Google pictures of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Brazil and you will see what we are talking about” Anita , TV presenter reveals
Brazilians believe the color of the clothes you wear on NewYear Eve will dictate the following year , so many wear whites to the sea for a better year ahead , they beg Olokun for a prosperous year ahead .
In Brazil , offerings to Yemoja Is essential , Brazilians appease Yemoja in the New year Eve . Yemoja is the goddess of the sea according to Brazilian Candomblé and Umbanda , the versions of Yoruba traditional religion in Brazil .
Those that do not necessarily follow these religions ‘ Yoruba religion ‘ still make offerings to Yemoja on NewYear Eve , they observe the traditional rites of the Brazilian people.
“ These offerings include throwing white flowers on the ocean and having small wooden boats with gifts pushed toward the sea. Gifts include perfumes, pearls, jewelry, mirrors, candles, etc. You should make those offers while asking for protection and peace for the upcoming year “ Says Lisa fa .
