Brazil's 'Congada' Mixes African, Christian Roots

Girls sing as they carry an image of Our Lady of Rosary during the annual Afro-Christian Congada celebration in Catalao, Goias state, Brazil, Oct. 9, 2016. The group's leader sings a verse, and members repeat, making references to Brazil's history of slav

Fire crackers explode near supporters of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto during clashes with the police in Jakarta, Indonesia. President Joko Widodo said authorities have the volatile situation in the country's capital under control after six people died in riots by supporters of his losing rival in last month's presidential election.

The captain, right, and a dancer with the Mozambique Sacred Heart of Mary dance group, during the annual Afro-Christian Congada celebration in Catalao, Goias state, Brazil, Oct. 9, 2016. The Congada represents an African royal court, with a king, queen, g

A man holds a walking cane decorated with a statue of St. George during an annual Afro-Christian dance tradition called Congada, in Catalao, Goias state, Brazil, Oct. 9, 2016. St. George is one of the most important and popular saints in Brazilian, and is

Women carry statues of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict during the annual Afro-Christian Congada celebration in Catalao, Goias state, Brazil, Oct. 9, 2015. Our Lady of the Rosary represents the African divinity Yemanja, or Sea Mother, and St. Bened

Matheus Alves, captain of the Mozambique Our Lady of the Rosary dance group, performs during the annual Afro-Christian Congada celebration in Catalao, Goias state, Brazil, Oct. 9, 2016. His turban is the signature of Mozambique dance group, as they pay tr

A girl dressed as an angel attends a Mass in honor of Our Lady of Rosario during the annual Afro-Christian Congada celebration in Catalao, Goias state, Brazil, Oct. 7, 2016. Some children participate in the annual celebration dressed as angels, considered

People hold up flowers during a Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary during the annual Afro-Christian Congada celebration in Catalao, Goias state, Brazil, Oct. 8, 2016. After Mass people place their flowers at the statue of the virgin, who represents t