Brazil, Religion and Diversity
Brazil is a very diverse country, especially if we talk about religions. And one of our main characteristics is syncretism – or the combination of different beliefs and tenets from several different religions. This crazy mix of faiths is actually one of the things that makes this topic of religion in Brazil so interesting. So today, we’ll take a look into Brazil’s religious beliefs, the main religion in Brazil, and some systems of belief that came to be in our country, like spiritism and African religions in Brazil. At the end we will help you with a Podcast to practice what we will learn with sound. Let’s go!
The People of Brazil and Religion
In general, Brazilians tend to be very religious. Even if they don’t practice a religion, they almost always try to follow some sort of doctrine. It’s really common to know Brazilians who pray or ask something from God before going to bed. Religious expressions, such as meu deus or salve, are also very widespread in Brazil.
The Brazilian Constitution states that we, Brazilians, are free to follow any religion of our choice. And Church and State are completely different matters. Despite the existence of some fanatics who cause some uproar with their intolerance, Brazil is still regarded as a country that defends freedom of religion.
Brazil’s Major Religions
We might be known for our diversity, but the main religion in Brazil is followed by a huge chunk of the population when compared to the other ones. The dominant religion in Brazil is Catholicism – in fact, Brazil has the largest numbers of Catholics in the world. This is a direct inheritance from the colonial era, when Christianity was spread and taught by Jesuits across the country.
There is, however, an interesting trend: over the years, more and more people have adopted secularism (no faith) and Evangelical Protestantism. And people have begun to speculate when will Brazil’s religious beliefs completely shift from Catholicism to something else. But how can we segment Brazil’s population by religion? Let’s take a look!
Brazil’s Religions by Percentage
Brazil’s religious landscape has changed noticeably over the last decade. While Catholicism remains the country’s largest faith, Evangelical churches continue to grow, and the number of Brazilians who identify as having no religion has also increased.
The table below compares data from the 2010 and 2022 censuses, highlighting how diversity has become more visible nationwide:
| Religion | 2010 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Catholics | 65.1% | 56.7% |
| Evangelical Protestants | 21.6% | 26.9% |
| Spiritism | 2.0% | 2.5% |
| Afro-Brazilian Religions | 0.3% | 0.5% |
| Other religions | 0.7% | 0.9% |
| No religion | 8.0% | 12.0% |
Source: IBGE Census 2010 and 2022. Percentages rounded to one decimal place.
The Fastest Growing Religion in Brazil
Protestantism is by far the fastest growing religion in Brazil, and it has taken the country by storm. In the 20th and 21st century, Brazil received a great number of missionaries who hoped to spread their faith here. Just in the last few years, for example, Rio de Janeiro elected a Evangelical mayor and had its first Mormon temple built. Evangelical church leaders often dabble in politics as well and they’re seen as real and legitimate contenders for office due to their immense popularity brought about through TV and radio shows. Protestantism, particularly evangelical churches, have carved a clear path amongst Brazil’s religious beliefs, and they’ll likely outnumber Catholics in some years to come.
Brazil’s Religions
As mentioned before, Brazil’s diversity and syncretism have made it a quite unique place. Thanks to a mishmash of cultures and beliefs, new religions have surged and old ones gained more space here than in their original countries. So let’s talk about some of the most remarkable and unique when it comes to Brazil and its religions.
Spiritism in Brazil
Although Spiritism began in France with Allan Kardec, it was in Brazil where it gained notable popularity. According to its followers, it is not a religion, but a fusion of philosophy, religion and science. It aims to study and understand the universe, not only scientifically, but also morally and ethically. It believes in an eternal and all powerful God (much like Christianity), spirits and a spirit-hierarchy dictated by incarnations (much like Hinduism). The moral codes are equivalent to that of Jesus Christ, despite Spiritism not being an Abrahamic religion.
The one thing that makes Spiritism in Brazil so interesting is the belief that people can communicate with spirits, and they are part of our day-to-day life. Spiritists tend to always be open and excited to show you their religion and point of view, and if you’re curious, you should definitely try to visit a centro espírita (place where Spiritism is practiced). Oh, but do learn Portuguese! Otherwise, it’ll be tough to keep up!
African Religions in Brazil
Here’s a trick question: where did Brazil’s African religions actually start? Although in Brazil we refer to umbanda and candomblé as African religions, they are very different from the African systems of belief that inspired them. And you may ask: “Why? Why can’t Brazil’s African religions just be African?” and the answer can be summed up in one word: syncretism!
Candomblé honors the Orixás, deities that represent elements of nature such as water, fire, and wind. Its rituals are guided by rhythm, dance, and song — each drumbeat is a form of prayer and a connection between people and nature.
During the colonial and imperial periods, the worship of the Orixás was forbidden by law, forcing practitioners to hide their faith and mix their traditions with Catholic symbols to survive. You can learn more about candomblé and its beliefs in this Dica.

Umbanda and Quimbanda
Umbanda, on the other hand, was founded in Brazil in the early 20th century, as a new expression of faith that emerged in this very context of religious persecution. It became a clear example of religious syncretism, blending African roots with Catholic elements and Spiritist concepts.
Umbanda emphasizes charity, balance, and respect for all forms of life. Practitioners communicate with spiritual entities such as caboclos (Indigenous spirits) and pretos velhos (spirits of wise enslaved Africans).
Both religions value harmony, respect, and the energy known as Axé — the positive spiritual force that flows through all things.
Rio de Janeiro and Religion
The main religion in Rio de Janeiro is, much like the rest of Brazil, Catholicism. But, as we mentioned before, Protestantism has gained a lot of space in Rio, yet that doesn’t mean that’s all there is. In Rio de Janeiro, you can find mosques in Vila Isabel, synagogues in Copacabana and several other places of worship. It is an extremely diverse city when it comes to religion. Whether you’re Hindu, Mormon, or Jewish – you’re welcome here! And you can always find people who share your faith.
🎧 Listen to Our Religion in Brazil Podcast!
Now that you’ve discovered how religion shapes Brazilian life, it’s time to bring these words to life! Tune in to our Religion in Brazil Podcast and listen to real Brazilians talking about faith, culture, and daily life. You’ll hear the rhythm of Portuguese, pick up authentic pronunciation, and feel the spirit of Brazil through your headphones!
And if you’re feeling bold, listen to the Portuguese version of this podcast too — available on our Portuguese Podcast. It’s a perfect way to challenge yourself and practice your listening skills like a true carioca.
So, put on your earphones and let the sound of Brazil’s religions inspire your next Portuguese adventure! 🇧🇷✨
That’s it, my friends! We’ve studied a little bit about Brazil and our religions. Are you a religious person? What is your religion?
See you in the next Dica!
Bye bye
Click here to see more related Dicas:
Candomblé in Brazil
States and Regions of Brazil
Salvador
History of Rio de Janeiro
Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes