On Saturday, 23rd July 2023, the Ile Ase Iyalade in São Bernardo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, immersed itself in the spirit of Sango, the revered Yoruba deity of thunder and lightning. This vibrant celebration, commencing at 10 PM and continuing through the night until the following morning, was a heartfelt tribute to Sango, a cherished Yoruba deity deeply venerated in Candomble, the Brazilian manifestation of the Yoruba religion.
The festival commenced with the solemn veneration of Sango, followed by mesmerizing and captivating dances performed by distinguished Orisa devotees in attendance. The devoted participants joyously celebrated the Yoruba deity, bedecked in the vibrant colors symbolizing Sango, while clad in traditional Yoruba diaspora attire and reverently speaking the sacred language of the gods.
Isabela, one of the ardent devotees of Sango, expressed her profound spiritual experience, saying, “I feel spiritually renewed; today’s Sango festival has deeply touched my soul. I am confident of positive outcomes,” she shared with heartfelt enthusiasm.
Bàbálórìsà Pai Júlio, the esteemed spiritual leader of Ile-Ase, deftly orchestrates one of the most vibrant traditional shrines in the São Bernardo region of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Ile-Ase Iyalade proudly hosts a myriad of Orisa festivals, seeking to elevate the spirits of Orisa devotees who regularly congregate at the Ile-Ase Yalade.
Throughout the night, the air reverberated with soul-stirring songs, enchanting musical performances, and captivating dances. To complement the festivities, the Ile-Ase Yalade thoughtfully prepared Amala and other traditional Yoruba delicacies, adding a delightful taste of culture to the joyous occasion.
Among the esteemed devotees gracing the event were Babá Júlio César Pessinotti, Solange Batista (Oya) Ebome, Solange dos Reis (Oya) Yabase, Ekedji Luana Batista (Yemonja) Ekedji, Babá Edy Carlos (Sango), Ogãns Gustavo (Logum), Pai Kelvin (Esu), and Babá Guilherme (Guian).
Babá Julio Cesar Pessinotti Yemonja, the dedicated spiritual leader and Bàbálórìsà of Ile-Ase, has been diligently coordinating Orisa services and festivals in the region for an extensive period. The Sango festival witnessed a remarkable turnout of Orisa devotees and participants, celebrating the profound richness of Yoruba culture and spirituality.
It is worth noting that African-derived religions in Brazil, including Candomblé, Umbanda, Xango, Batuque, Cantimbo, and Macumba, have played a significant role in shaping Afro-Brazilian ethnic identities, both historically and in the present day.
