The tradition was brought over to Brazil by African slaves hundreds of years ago.
On December 30, 2017, Brazilian worshippers were seen flocking to Copacabana beach in Rio de Janiero to pay tribute to Yoruba goddess, Yemoja, queen of the sea.
The annual festival has worshipers dance, sing and pray their way to the water to offer flowers, letters and gifts to the sea goddess.
Umbandá is a Brazilian religion that blends African traditions with Roman Catholicism, Spiritism, and Indigenous American beliefs.
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Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion that has roots in the Yoruba, Fon and Bantu beliefs brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. On December 29, Umbandá and Candomblé followers unite in a religious procession that starts in the Afro-Brazilian neighbourhood of Madureira and proceeds to Copacabana beach where religious followers, dressed in white and blue, throw flowers into the ocean.
With their tributes washing out to sea, worshippers hope they'll be blessed by Yemanja.
The tradition was brought over to Brazil by African slaves hundreds of years ago.