Today in the northern Brazilian city of Salvador is the Festival of Iemanja, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. Known as the queen of the sea, she brings protection to fisherman, pregnant women and children. The main celebration in Salvador takes place on Rio Vermelho beach, where thousands of worshippers dressed in white descend to the water to deliver offerings to the goddess, like food, flowers, perfume, mirrors, and jewelry. These presents are often placed in little decorative boats that are pushed into the water out to sea. Fishermen also load offerings into their boats and bring them out into the water.<\/p>\n
The holiday is especially important to fishermen, since the ritual in Salvador originally emerged during a poor fish harvest in 1923. Though it is a religious event, it is often followed by a large public celebration afterwards, as well as musical performances and parties near the beach and throughout the city.<\/p>\n
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Today in the northern Brazilian city of Salvador is the Festival of Iemanja, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. Known as the queen of the sea, she brings protection to fisherman, pregnant women and children. The main celebration in Salvador takes place on Rio Vermelho beach, where thousands of worshippers dressed in white descend to…<\/p>\n