Yemaya is known throughout western Africa, the Caribbean, and even South America by a variety of names. It was from Africa that she originated, where she was known to the Yoruban people as Ymoja, “Mother of the Waters”, as she was the mother of the Ogun River.
Beach Shrine to Yemaya (2023)
According to African folklore, she gave birth to all the waters of the world as with new springs would appear wherever she walked.
While in the Brazilian state of Bahia, people gather on the beaches to celebrate “Candalaria”, which is dedicated to Iemanjá, as she is known, since 2008, I have been leading annual beach side rites in honour of Yemaya on or around the first full moon of the new year. These rites ask for the Mother Orisha’s protection over not only the seas and oceans, but all waterways around the world and the life that lives within.
The 2026 Yemaya: Blessing of the Waters will be taking place on Friday, 2 January 2026, where we will be meeting in the northern carpark of the Largs Bay Sailing Club around 7.40pm. We will then head to the foreshore around 7:50pm with the rite scheduled to commence around 8pm.
More information about what you need to bring can be found below:
Offerings for Yemaya