YEMANYÁ THE GODDESS OF THE SEA
Once a year, the 2nd of february, the members of the religion of Umbanda gather at the beaches in Montevideo and honour Yemanyá, the goddess of the sea. It's the day of her birth where offerings are thrown into the Rio de la Plata. Letters, plastic boats filled with artificial flowers in the symbolic colors of the goddess: silver, white and blue and private goods are thrown into the sea. Meanwhile the famous Umbanda priest Mae, who has almost become an institution in the religious community in Montevideo, tours on a boat with her followers around the city of Montevideo and devoutly hands over the presents as being the "medium" between the followers and the goddess of the sea.
In the evenings, as the city is litten by its flickering lights, the followers lighten candles all along the beaches and worship the goddess by walking into the sea, moved in trance by her presence.
The afro-brazilian religion had been banished during the dictatorship in Uruguay, since then the sacred temples are much more in demand. As this religious movement doesn't play a very present role in public life, the initiated members look for retreat in the communities of the various priests.
