08/31/2025
Iemanjá is the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea, worshipped in religions like Candomblé and Umbanda as a powerful mother figure who protects sailors, fishermen, women, and families. Originally from Yoruba traditions, she was blended in Brazil with Catholic saints like Our Lady of the Conception. Beyond religion, she became a national cultural symbol: on February 2nd in Bahia and on New Year’s Eve, Brazilians dress in white and throw roses and offerings into the ocean, asking her for blessings. In literature, especially Jorge Amado’s Dead Sea, Iemanjá is portrayed as the living spirit of the ocean, guiding the fate of sailors and embodying the intimate connection between Bahian communities and the sea. Today, she represents Brazil’s blend of African heritage, spirituality, and popular tradition—uniting people of all backgrounds with her image of maternal strength and the mysteries of the ocean. Come see us at WorldFest today to see all the adorable dolls and plushies!
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