History of Candomblés in Rio de Janeiro

"The history of Candomblés in Rio de Janeiro takes us back to the time when one of the most beautiful metropolises in the world was built, with the help of Africans, who also enriched Brazil's religiosity with the charm of African deities. Among the many ethnic groups that arrived in the marvelous city, the striking cultural presence of the Bantu and the arrival of the Afro-descendants Jeje and Yoruba are described here with rich clarification and revealing illustrations. Well-founded, José Beniste portrays the port region of Rio and the entire Saúde neighborhood, highlighting its important historical and heritage value for the establishment of the first Candomblés in the city, and pays homage to Tia Ciata and many famous street confectioners such as: Benta de Ogum, Agripina de Xangô, Teodora de Yemanjá and Ìyá Cotinha. Using a timeline compiled after collecting testimonies from his radio program about the first Terreiros and Axés established in Rio de Janeiro, Beniste shares stories and highlights the biographies of Cipriano Abedé, João Alágbà, Bámgbósé Obítíkò, Vicente Bánkólé, João Lesengue, and even touches on one of the most important chapters in the history of Rio's Candomblés: the celebrated João Alves Torres Filho, known as Joãozinho da Goméia. In addition to chronicling the entire religious trajectory of Pai João, Beniste highlights the artistic talents of the priest, who at the time was greatly admired for his dance performances at the Urca Casino. Beniste also makes references and pays tribute to many deceased icons such as Paulo da Pavuna, Zezinho da Boa Viagem and Mãe Beata de Yemanjá. The history of Candomblés in Rio de Janeiro is a majestic cultural heritage for Rio de Janeiro and for religions of African origin, especially Candomblé. - Paulo Warrior of Oxalá"