"Hundreds of worshippers from Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomble and Umbanda carried out their traditional year-end ritual dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Yemanja, on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. Worshippers arrived at the shore carrying figures of the goddess. There, they threw small handmade boats with flowers into the water, symbolising gratitude for the past year and asking for protection, health, and prosperity for the coming year. "It means a lot to us to come and celebrate this date. An enormous love. Our expectation is to have a better year, a year with a lot of joy, a year of a lot of peace. Happiness is what we always ask of her," said attendee Andre Zimerman. "Here we gather, our people, to lift our faith, remain firm in the faith, and it is through that faith that we are given the strength to always return here, every year. That is what is important," mentioned another attendee. Tributes to Yemanja will be held again on the night of December 31 on Copacabana beach, where, as is tradition, the arrival of 2026 will be celebrated with fireworks, music, and a party that will bring together around 2.5 million people, according to the Rio de Janeiro City Hall. The worship of Yemanja extends along the entire Brazilian coastline, especially in port cities, where she is believed to protect the waters and pregnant women. "