Congadas is another proof of Brazilian religious syncretism. In Itamogi it happens between Christmas and New Year's. Originally it celebrated wars that happened in Africa and the music reflects that. The name, of course, derives from
Congo, the country. I imagine that slaves, not allowed to openly celebrate their kings/gods, used catholic saints to mask their original intention, which has been lost throughout the years. Today is a celebration sanctioned by the Catholic church but they still have a king and a queen, both black, that are brought to the church to be crowned and afterwards, of course, lots of food is served.
