Praça dos Orixás: A Spiritual Plaza by the Lake

Praça dos Orixás, often referred to as Prainha (little beach), is a vibrant and historically rich plaza located in Brasília, on the edge of Lake Paranoá. This location is next to the Honestino Guimarães Bridge, on the Asa Sul side. Approximately 4 km from the central area of Brasília, it stands as one of the city's iconic landmarks and a key reference point for Afro-Brazilian religious practices.Built in the 1990s, the plaza has become a place where people express their faith. Even before the installation of the sixteen 1.5-meter-high sculptures, the area was already a gathering place for religious expression. The sculptures, crafted from fiberglass by Tatti Moreno, represent significant deities (Orixás) in the Yoruba tradition. These include Exu, Oxalá, Ogum, Oxóssi, Oxum, Oxumaré, Xangô, Iansã, Iemanjá, Nanã, Omolú, Logunedé, Obá, Ossain, Yewá, and Ibeji.Praça dos Orixás is more than just a religious site; it is a cultural oasis that embodies the resilience and strength of Afro-Brazilian religions. The plaza and the Festa de Iemanjá, which is celebrated here, were declared part of the Immaterial Cultural Heritage of the Federal District in 2018. The site is particularly lively during the Festa de Iemanjá and New Year's Eve, drawing many visitors.