In anticipation of the Carnival festivities, followers of Afro-Brazilian religions, including Umbanda and Candomblé, gathered at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro to perform a cleansing ritual designed to invoke peace and protection from ancestral spirits. Dressed in traditional white attire, the participants engaged in a vibrant ceremony that involved sweeping the ground with brooms made of rue, a plant traditionally associated with cleansing negative energies. The ritual was emblematic of their deeply ingrained cultural practices that serve to ward off evil and ensure a joyful celebration ahead of one of Brazil's most significant events.

Priest Alexandre Fernandes described the purpose of the ritual as essential to creating a positive atmosphere for Carnival, which is pivotal in Brazilian culture. He emphasized the importance of ancestral protection, highlighting that these practices are part of a broader spiritual tradition aimed at ensuring that the festivities commence under favorable and joyous conditions. Teacher Leonardo Matos referred to the ritual as one of purification, suggesting it plays a vital role in opening pathways for positive energy to flow during the celebrations.

The cleansing ritual was marked by a collective spirit, featuring not only practitioners but also flag-bearers, older participants from samba schools, and women from Bahia state, all showcasing the rich cultural diversity tied to Carnival. This melding of different Afro-Brazilian culture underscores the historical significance and continuity of these traditions within the Carnival, reinforcing the importance of community and shared heritage in Brazil’s vibrant cultural landscape.