Brazil , a place of African culture and tradition , on Wednesday, 12th April , celebrated important dignitaries , the parliament received Culture and Tradition Icons in the House of Assembly , Santo André , Saopaulo , Brazil .
An event held in commemoration of Afro-Brazilian traditional day gathered men and women of importance in Saopaulo, the parliament awarded Yoruba Traditionalists , Artists , human right activists , Black movements , writers , journalists and academics in its amphitheater , Santo André , Saopaulo , Brazil
The ceremony which featured Afro-Brazilian bands and dance drama witnessed the exceptionalities of Iyálòrísá Verah d’Osun , the coordination of Dr. Paulo Bueno . It also paraded Tradition Icons and academics of excellence .
Tagged sessão solene aos comemoração de dia nacional das tradições das raizes de matrizes africanas e nações de candomblé , the night awarded dignitaries , it celebrated the importance of Yoruba religion in Brazil .
According to Dr. Ricardo Alvarez , “ This is just the beginning of many good things to come . It is a pleasure celebrating this important event in Santo André legislative house . I appreciate you all “ says the parliamentarian.
The night awarded important dignitaries including Prof (Dr) Sidnei Barreto Nogueira , Mãe (Iyálòrísá) Carmen and several others .
African religion has had a significant impact on Brazilian culture, particularly in the form of Afro-Brazilian religions. These religions have their roots in traditional African religions that were brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans during the colonial era. Over time, they have evolved and adapted to their new surroundings, becoming unique and distinct religious practices that continue to influence Brazilian culture today.
The African religions that were brought to Brazil during the colonial era were diverse, with many different belief systems and practices. These religions were based on a deep reverence for nature and the spiritual world, and placed a strong emphasis on community and family. Many of these religions also involved the worship of ancestral spirits and the use of divination to communicate with the spiritual world. They are versions of the Yoruba traditional religion.
One of the most well-known Afro-Brazilian religions is Candomblé, which originated in the state of Bahia and is now practiced throughout Brazil. Candomblé is a syncretic religion that combines elements of traditional African religions with Catholicism. The religion involves the worship of orixás, which are spirits that are believed to represent the forces of nature. Each orixá has its own personality, preferences, and taboos, and worshippers seek to establish a relationship with them through offerings and rituals.
Another Afro-Brazilian religion is Umbanda, which originated in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. Like Candomblé, Umbanda is a syncretic religion that combines elements of traditional African religions with Catholicism, as well as Spiritism, which is a spiritualist movement that originated in Europe in the 19th century. Umbanda involves the worship of entities that are believed to be spirits of deceased people, as well as spirits of nature and other beings.
In addition to these two religions, there are many other Afro-Brazilian religions that are practiced throughout Brazil, each with its own unique beliefs and practices. These religions have had a profound impact on Brazilian culture, influencing everything from music and dance to food and fashion.
Despite their important role in Brazilian culture, Afro-Brazilian religions have faced many challenges over the years. During the colonial era, these religions were actively suppressed by the Catholic Church and the colonial government, which saw them as a threat to their power and control. Even after slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888, Afro-Brazilian religions continued to face discrimination and persecution.
In recent years, there have been efforts to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Afro-Brazilian religions to Brazilian culture. In 2007, Candomblé was officially recognized as a cultural heritage of Brazil, and in 2023 , the Brazilian government , through President Lula , declared every March 21st as national holiday to honor the Orisás
