Epiphany Celebrations Fill Brazil’s Streets as Rio State Backs 200 Folia de Reis Groups

Overview

• On January 6, Folia de Reis and reisado troupes crossed neighborhoods nationwide with cantorias, blessings and cortejos marking the Magi’s visit and the end of the Christmas cycle.
• The Rio de Janeiro state culture secretariat funded 200 Folias this year with R$25,000 each, for a total of R$5 million, including 26 projects in the Baixada Fluminense that received R$650,000.
• Performances feature sung narratives, dances and theatrical characters such as palhaços or bastiões, backed by viola, cavaquinho, pandeiro, zabumba, atabaque and other traditional instruments.
• In Juazeiro do Norte (CE), about 40 groups paraded in a program highlighted by Sesc as a symbol of cultural resistance and identity across generations.
• Local agendas included house-to-house visits in the Baixada, cathedral cantorias and a weekend community Folia in Sorocaba, and long-running gatherings in Presidente Prudente and nearby Rancharia with shared meals.