Timeline: documented dates for Umbanda and its context

Sourced dates that help situate Umbanda, separated from traditional narratives.

Table with papers, a box and a clock in front of a window.

Dates

Documented history1888: the Lei Áurea, signed on May 13, abolished slavery in Brazil. A date remembered in many houses when honoring pretos-velhos.

Traditional narrative1908: according to tradition, manifestation of Caboclo das Sete Encruzilhadas in Niterói through Zélio de Moraes. Traditional narrative, with no contemporary record cited in the sources consulted.

Documented history1941: Primeiro Congresso do Espiritismo de Umbanda, in Rio de Janeiro.

Documented history2007: Law 11.635 establishes the National Day Against Religious Intolerance, on January 21.

Documented history2008: the Ifá divination system is inscribed on UNESCO's list, according to the source consulted.

Documented history2012: Law 12.644 establishes National Umbanda Day, on November 15.

Continue exploring

HistoryDocumented timeline and traditional narratives about the formation of Umbanda in Brazil.Global contextYoruba and Jeje-Fon roots, Santería in Cuba, vodum in the Caribbean and the presence of African traditions in the Americas.BeginnersReading guide for those getting to know Umbanda: what it is, where it comes from and how this site organizes its content.