Brazilian Orisa traditionalists have raised objections to the depiction of the Yemonja statue entirely in white, aligning with the commencement of the Yemonja festival on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
This protest against presenting Yemonja in white attire has stirred awareness among traditionalists in Praia Grande along the coast of Brazil. Practitioners of the Orisa religion, including Candomblé, Umbanda, and other related belief systems, have unified in their opposition to this portrayal.
Praia Grande: Iemanjá Celebrations Begin on Saturday, November 2, 2023 : The traditional religious event is scheduled for December 2, 3, 9, and 10 on the shores of the Mirim neighborhood in Praia Grande. These festivities, spanning 54 years in Praia Grande, will include the unveiling of the rejuvenated iconic statue of Iemanjá.
Commencing on Saturday, December 2, the Iemanjá celebrations are anticipated to draw hundreds of faithful attendees over the two weekends. A total of 29 federations will participate in the festivities, with a special emphasis on the 50th Night of Vigil to Iemanjá this year.
The opening ceremony begins at 8pm on Saturday 2 , while the celebrations kick off as early as 7am .Approximately 350,000 faithful individuals are expected to attend over the two weekends.
During the Iemanjá festivities, the refurbished statue of Iemanjá, situated on the Mirim neighborhood’s waterfront, will be unveiled. It will revert to its original 1976 appearance, featuring a unique epoxy paint in white on its attire, crafted by the artist Antonio Miguel de Almeida.
The revitalization project acknowledges the statue’s historical significance in the city, donated to the municipality by the Superior Orgão de Umbanda during the tenure of then-Mayor Leopoldo Estásio Vanderlinde. At the time of the donation, the statue was adorned in white attire.
As per the municipal administration, LED lighting focused on the deity’s attire will impart a distinctive touch to the monument. The surroundings will also receive new lighting, further accentuating the tourist spot.
Ogan Juvenal, the general coordinator of the Union of Umbanda and Candomblé Tents of Brazil, explains that the revitalization project reflects the monument’s origin. “I represent the entity that donated the image, and from the beginning, it was all white. Years later, one of our collaborators began coloring the details of the work, and local visitors became accustomed to it. This image represents a Brazilian illustration of Yemanja based on the account of a Brazilian medium, so we believe it does not offend the principles of the religion.”
The Yemonja celebrations have officially transpired for over 50 years in Praia Grande, Saopaulo, Brazil
