Leandro Vieira oversees preparations for Rio's Carnival, where his samba school will celebrate Candomble, one of Brazil's main Afro-Brazilian faiths. Meanwhile, Umbanda priestess Mother Fernanda mourns the vandalism of her temple, where sacred items were destroyed and stolen, with a Bible left beside the shattered remains of Oxum's image. During the parade, twelve samba schools will honor African deities like Oxum through vibrant floats and performances. The celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture contrasts with the discrimination these religions face in everyday life. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES