The Valley of Dawn in the Brazilian Religious Field

Abstract

The Valley of Dawn is a religious movement that emerged in Brasilia in the second half of the twentieth century, founded by Neiva Chaves Zelaya (1925-1985), known as Tia Neiva (Aunt Neiva). In this movement there is an intense religious syncretism, which is denied by the believers, as well as a strong presence of elements from the Afro-Brazilian religions, such as the caboclos and pretos velhos. The purpose of this article is to understand what this movement reveals from the dynamics of the Brazilian religious field, indicating some tensions that exist, mainly from its relationship with other religions.