Hidden Brasília: Praça dos Orixás




The National Congress of Brazil, the Cathedral of Brasília, the Cultural Complex of the Republic, the Palácio da Alvorada, the Palácio do Planalto... these are the sites designed by Oscar Niemeer that everyone knows to see while in Brasilia. But while staying here, you have the unique opportunity to see sites that are not advertised on brochures and promotionals – a Brasilia that is so unlike everything you associate with it - but are just as cool as the major tourist spots. 

If you stick with me, I’ll guide you through some of the hidden spots of my secret Brasilia, starting with the...

PRAÇA DOS ORIXÁS

On the south bank of the lake Paranoá, near the Honestino Guimarães Bridge a.k.a. "the Second Bridge", you will find the Praça dos Orixas, a small public square which consists of 16 statues of deities belonging to the African-descendant religions, the so called Orishas.

The statues created by Brazilian artist Tatti Moreno appear to reflect each Orisha's strength, their attire, attributes, and poses. They are and are replicas of the sculptures that can be found in Dique de Tororo, Salvador. 

Photos: Maria Luiza Babe Lavenère

The work aims to give greater visibility to the African-Brazilian religions present in Brasilia, enhance the cultural heritage of these groups and demystify worships of African origin.

It has a long way to go, though. The Praça dos Orixás has been attacked several times because of religious intolerance, and in 2006 four statues had been stolen or vandalized. Fortunately, in 2009 the Praça was restored and reopened to the public.


Photos: Maria Luiza Babe Lavenère
Besides being also visited by local swimmers during the day to go to Prainha, the Praça dos Orixás is a very popular tourist attraction in the New Year, where practitioners of African descent religions celebrate and bring offerings to Yemoja, one of the seven Orixás. This interesting visit will show you the a bit of the history of Afro-Brazilian syncretic religions.


Free entrance

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