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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 29, 2015: Thousands of locals and tourists celebrate Yemanja, the Goddess of the Sea in Copacabana. The festivities began in the morning in the Municipal Market of Madureira (Mercadão de Madureira), the biggest popular market in Brazil. In the Municipal Market of Madureira there are dozens of shops specializing in religious items for Umbanda and Candomble. Yemanja is one of the main deities worshiped by the followers of these religions. Credit: Luiz Souza/Alamy Live News
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 29, 2015: Thousands of locals and tourists celebrate Yemanja, the Goddess of the Sea in Copacabana. The festivities began in the morning in the Municipal Market of Madureira (Mercadão de Madureira), the biggest popular market in Brazil. In the Municipal Market of Madureira there are dozens of shops specializing in religious items for Umbanda and Candomble. Yemanja is one of the main deities worshiped by the followers of these religions. Is part of the traditions of Umbanda and Candomble launch a small boat holding offerings into the ocean During the ceremony honoring Iemanja, part of the traditional New Year's celebrations on the sands of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. The event was held in Copacabana and at the evening religious deposited their offerings in the sea, and they also have left their offerings in the sand. The organizers ensure that are just thrown into the sea products that are biodegradable and do not harm the environment, such as flowers and drinks that are released into the water and then the bottles are discarded out of the sea.
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Keywords: beach, brazil, candle, candomblé, celebration, copacabana, de, faith, flower, goddess, iemanjá, janeiro, madureira, mercadã, offerings, religion, rio, rj, sand, sea, umbanda, year, yemanja