Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a vibrant prelude to Carnival, followers of Afro-Brazilian religions performed a sweeping cleansing ritual at Rio’s iconic Sambadrome on Saturday, invoking peace and ancestral protection for the festivities ahead.
Ritual of Purification
Dressed in traditional white, practitioners of Umbanda and Candomblé danced along the avenue, sweeping the ground with brooms made of rue, a plant believed to dispel negative energy.
Priest Alexandre Fernandes explained the intent:
“To prevent evil and negativity, ensuring a peaceful and joyful Carnival under ancestral protection.”
Teacher Leonardo Matos described the act as one of “purification” and “opening paths” for good energy.
A Unified Cultural Gathering
The ceremony drew broad participation, including religious women from Bahia state, flag-bearer couples, and elderly members from all of Rio’s samba schools. Adorned in traditional attire, they underscored the deep roots Afro-Brazilian culture holds within Carnival tradition.
Clearing the Path for Parade
The ritual directly precedes the official competitive parades, setting a spiritual stage for Rio’s top-tier samba schools to take the Sapucaí avenue on February 16th, 17th, and 18th. Organizers and participants hope the cleansing will shield the celebrations from harm and fill them with positive energy.
Conclusion
As Carnival approaches, the sweeping ritual at the Sambadrome highlights the enduring role of Afro-Brazilian spirituality in shaping the cultural heartbeat of Rio. It is both a symbolic and practical gesture, ensuring that the world’s most famous Carnival begins on a foundation of peace, unity, and ancestral blessing.
