Rio Devotees Celebrate Zé Pelintra Day in Lapa

Dozens of devotees gathered in Rio de Janeiro’s Lapa neighbourhood on Thursday to celebrate Ze Pelintra Day, a local religious festival that blends Afro-Brazilian spirituality with Catholic traditions. The procession began at the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, where participants offered candles, incense, and prayers before moving through the streets to the community square, where music, dancing, and communal meals were shared.

The event, which draws followers from across the city, underscores Lapa’s role as a cultural hub for Afro-Brazilian religious practices. Organizers noted that the festival serves both as a spiritual observance and a community gathering, reinforcing social bonds among residents. As the celebrations concluded, participants returned to their homes, carrying the sense of communal faith and cultural continuity that defines Ze Pelintra Day.