# Afro-Brazilian Religiosity A note collecting reflections and insights on African-derived religious and spiritual traditions in Brazil, including Candomblé, Umbanda, and related practices. It includes not only cosmologies and ritual life, but also the social, institutional and territorial dimensions of these traditions. ## Entries **18/04/2025**: [[Candomblé]] is an Afro-Brazilian religion rooted in traditional African cosmologies. It affirms a Supreme Being (such as Olorum, Mawu, or Zambi) and centers on the veneration of deified ancestors (known as orixás, voduns or inquices) linked to natural forces. Organized into “nations” (e.g., Ketu, Jeje, Bantu), each tradition has its own pantheon, language, music and ritual style. Worship involves offerings, song, dance, and daily acts of devotion. Candomblé religious communities are structured around temples known as *terreiros*, whose names and leadership titles vary by nation. For example, in the Ketu tradition, temples are often called *Ilê Axé* and are led by *babalorixás* or *ialorixás*. Historic *terreiros* like Ilê Axé Iyá Nassô Oká (Casa Branca), Ilê Axé Iyá Omin Iyamassê (Gantois) and Ilê Axé Opó Afonjá in Salvador have played a central role in the preservation and visibility of Candomblé. **23/03/2023**: The [[Quilombola Territory of Quingoma]] is a traditional Afro-Brazilian community located in Lauro de Freitas, in the metropolitan region of Salvador, Bahia. Officially recognized as a quilombola territory, it is associated with the Yoruba-rooted Ketu nation of Candomblé. On March 23, 2023, it became the first quilombola community in Brazil to receive formal recognition as a Yorùbá community, a symbolic title granted by a visiting Yoruba king from Nigeria.