Background

Casa de Yemanjá: A Shrine to the Sea Goddess

Visit Casa de Yemanjá in Salvador's Rio Vermelho, a vibrant center of Afro-Brazilian faith and the heart of the annual Iemanjá Festival.

4.8

Casa de Yemanjá, a small blue and white building in Salvador's Rio Vermelho neighborhood, is a center for devotion to Iemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. It's a place for offerings and prayers throughout the year, but especially vibrant during the annual Iemanjá Festival every February 2nd.

A brief summary to Casa de Yemanjá

Local tips

  • Visit on February 2nd for the Iemanjá Festival, but arrive early to experience the sunrise and drumming.
  • Wear white or light blue clothing as a sign of respect for the festival rituals.
  • During the festival, be prepared for large crowds and consider leaving your car at home.
  • Be aware of your belongings, as pickpockets can be present in crowded areas.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Largo da Mariquita in Rio Vermelho, Casa de Yemanjá is a short walk. Head east along Rua Guedes Cabral; the house is located near the Parish of Sant'Ana. The walk is generally flat and takes only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus in Rio Vermelho, several bus stops are within a short walking distance of Casa de Yemanjá. From the bus stops on Avenida Juracy Magalhaes Junior, walk towards Largo da Mariquita and then follow Rua Guedes Cabral. A single bus fare within the city costs approximately R$4.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Salvador. A short taxi ride from other parts of Rio Vermelho to Casa de Yemanjá will typically cost between R$10-R$20, depending on traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare or use a ride-sharing app for transparent pricing.

Unlock the Best of Casa de Yemanjá

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Casa de Yemanjá

Casa de Yemanjá, also known as Casa do Peso (Weight House), is a modest yet significant building in Salvador's Rio Vermelho. With its distinctive blue windows and tiled facade, it serves as the headquarters for local fishermen year-round. However, its role expands dramatically during the annual Festa de Iemanjá on February 2nd. Iemanjá, also known as Yemaya, Iemoja, or Yemoja, is a revered orixá (deity) in the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé. She is the queen of the salty waters, the goddess of the sea, and considered the mother of all orixás. Her name comes from the Yoruba expression 'Yèyé omo ejá', meaning 'Mother whose children are fish'. She symbolizes protection, beauty, fertility, and motherhood. On February 2nd, devotees from across Brazil gather at Rio Vermelho beach to offer gifts to Iemanjá. The Casa de Yemanjá becomes the focal point of the festival, with the shoreline of Paciência beach and Sant'Ana square transforming into a vibrant setting. People dressed in white and blue bring flowers and gifts, sending them out to sea in handmade boats. The festival includes drumming, dancing, and a deep sense of faith. In the morning, it's common to see Carlinhos Brown and percussionists participating in the celebration. The highlight is the afternoon procession of boats carrying the main offering to Iemanjá. Throughout the year, visitors can witness the devotion to Iemanjá, with offerings and prayers taking place. The house provides a space for fishermen and devotees alike.

Popular Experiences near Casa de Yemanjá

Popular Hotels near Casa de Yemanjá

Select Currency