Afro-Brazilian religious adherents partook in a lively cleansing ceremony at Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome on Sunday, just days before the start of the much-awaited Carnival celebrations.
The grand stadium, a creation of the illustrious architect Oscar Niemeyer, was especially fashioned to host the throngs of people eager to partake in this world-renowned spectacle.
This year’s event marked the 15th anniversary of the time-honored cleansing ritual.
As Nilce Fran, a respected Afro-Brazilian practitioner and Portela Samba School coordinator, aptly put it, "Celebrate Carnival! It’s the world’s largest event and biggest open-air party. Today is a day of blessings for Carnival."
Adorned in traditional regalia, Umbanda and Candomblé worshippers moved gracefully down the avenue, briskly sweeping with rue-stick brooms. Revered for its cleansing virtues, rue is a plant held in high esteem in this context.
Due to join the ritual procession, Baianas, clothed in quintessential African-Brazilian garments, marched alongside flagbearer pairs and elder members of the samba schools.
Performances by the distinguished Samba Schools in Rio de Janeiro are slated for March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the illustrious Sambadrome.
