Bad years can’t start in Rio

That is what I have now come to believe as I look out at the water and see the millions of smiling faces around me. Toasting on the beach in my all white, I am amazed at the level of joy that I feel and how happy everyone around me also is. They toss their flowers into the sea wishing for good luck in this new year and jump seven waves to get their seven wishes. We watch the fireworks and drink champagne as we wiggle our toes in the sand. Shouts of Feliz Ano Novo! Happy New Year!, are shared with friends and strangers alike. In the humid heat we dance along to the Samba in the middle of millions celebrating another year. This is Reveillon!  Read more

Another side to Rio’s New Year Celebration

Black, White, Brown, all dance to the drum beats on the white sand offering gifts and praises for a blessed New Year. Since I am not fluent in the language I dance along in ignorance with those around me. Brown faces, White faces, Black faces. The African beat of the drum and the chanting rhythm of the voices provide a rhythmic melody to sway along. But this is not something special just for those who can clearly trace their lineage to the shores of Western Africa. As I walk out to the beach I see more diverse faces participating not as tourists, not as observers but as believers in the traditions of Candomble. Though the history of this celebration has African roots it is not a Black only celebration, in this case it is a Brazilian celebration. For when you are in Brazil it is this experience, a true integration of the cultures that continues to often surprise me.We see families sharing in the tradition, preparing for another year by sharing their offering to Yemanja together. An altar of white flowers and candles are placed in the sand as the family stands around. Eventually someone will walk to the water to send their offering into the waves. Instantly it is enveloped by the night waters rushing against the shore. Yemanja, one of the Orixas that are part of the Candomble, is the goddess of the sea and the mother of all creation. It is to her they are asking blessing for the approaching new year.

I am a tourist, staying in one of the many hotels on Copacabana, who happened upon this celebration on a early night stroll down the beach walkway. I see a white tent and people in matching shirts dancing and singing. Their shirts state that this is the 6th annual celebration for this particular organization to bring an Afro-Brazillian traditional celebration to Copacabana beach. Read more