Sao Paulo: 6-Hour Religious Diversity, Esotericism & Cultural Beliefs, Brazil

Visit an Umbanda house that is an original religion in Brazil that mixes elements of candomblé, Kardecist spiritism and Catholicism. Learn about the umbanda traditions, ceremonies and services that are held. In addition, learn about the rites and rituals that aim to evoke the orixás and spiritual entities in order to purify the energies of the participants.

Visit the "Casa de Velas Santa Rita" which is one of the largest stores selling religious products in São Paulo. The range of products of various religions is huge, being the largest religious statues factory in the country, with more than 2,600 items produced in plaster and resin.

Stroll the streets of Liberdade neighborhood observing the decorations in the streets, restaurants and shops, and be transported immediately to the Asia. It is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in São Paulo, hosting typical Japanese and Chinese parties. Visit the “Santa Cruz das Almas dos Enforcados Church” and learn about its origins and the name “Liberdade” which refers to miraculous events of pure faith that generated much devotion in that place.

Visit the Lohan Temple which is geared towards Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, which is a school of Buddhism that was created over 1500 years ago by monks who lived in the Shaolin Temple in China. Located in a building listed by the cultural heritage, the temple has Kung Fu practices, meditations, Buddhist rituals, traditional arts are practiced, among other activities. Chinese garden is the best part of the visit, it contains the Goddess of Mercy Quang Yin and a traditional Buddhist pagoda.

One of the coolest things about São Paulo is the themed streets. We visited a street dedicated to religious articles of any religion and denomination. There are hundreds of stores selling bibles, choir gowns, gospel books, gospel CDs, T-shirts with Christian motifs, orixás, stones, bracelets, candles, smokers, incense, herbs, tools and much more.

Sé Cathedral is inspired by medieval European churches. The imposing construction marks the center of São Paulo, a very busy area. The exterior is marked by two 92-meter towers and a large dome. The large interior, with a capacity for 8,000 people, is surrounded by stained glass, mosaics and sacred works of art, as well as a large organ with five keyboards and 12,000 tubes, considered the largest in South America. In the crypt bishops and archbishops are buried, in addition to Cacique Tibiriçá, first citizen of São Paulo, and Father Feijó, regent of the Brazilian empire.

Stop by at an esoteric or mystic shop to get either palm reading, a tarot cards drawn, a Spiritual Work or the so-called "Loving Bonding. Find local spiritual items such as incense, carved candles, oils, carved saints and Orishas, crystal jewelry, chakra gifts, herbs and resins that are blended on demand for customer’s needs, and much more